Page 299 - 7. State Of Environment Report Of Türkiye

of Samsun Province, which has a high agricultural potential for the Black Sea Region and Türki-
ye, was concluded in 2023 and the distribution areas of the study area soils were classified and
mapped according to the new taxonomic system and land use planning was made.

F.5.1.1. Creation of New Carbon Sinks

The creation of new carbon sinks is an effective strategy in combating desertification and ero-
sion. Carbon sinks contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing the amount of
carbon in the atmosphere. Therefore, the creation of new sink areas is critical for both environ-
mental protection and combating climate change. These areas promote the restoration of the
environment and the regeneration of ecosystems. This increases biodiversity, prevents soil ero-
sion and regulates the water cycle. In addition, it improves air quality by increasing carbon ab-
sorption and reduces the effects of climate change. The biggest obstacle to the creation of new
carbon sink areas is grazing pressure and social problems. In order to overcome these problems,
it is important to work in regions where there is cooperation and willingness with the local. In
this regard, new carbon sink areas have been established in 2,550 areas in order to protect the
environment and prevent pollution. Targets foreseen for 2028 include increasing the number of
new carbon sinks to a total of 13,000 acres and reducing soil erosion. These projections increase
biodiversity by restoring the natural environment, protecting water resources, increasing soil
fertility and reducing the effects of climate change. This provides positive effects on human
health.

F.5.1.2. Soil Classification and Mapping

Since there is no detailed soil map produced specifically for Türkiye, today, many projects still
use the 1/100,000 scale “Large Soil Groups Map (BTG)”, which was produced in the 1960s by the
former General Directorate of TOPRAKSU using 1 /25,000 scale topographic maps. BTG is a study
prepared mostly for agricultural areas and although it has undergone various revisions over
time, it is not sufficient for many plans and applications, especially in forest and pasture areas.

Various institutions and organizations are working to eliminate this deficiency in the country. In
this context, a study was carried out in order to determine the soil profile locations in non-agri-
cultural areas in the Kemalpaşa Sub-Basin of the Gediz Basin by remote sensing methods and to
perform 1 /25,000 scale soil classification and soil mapping.

F.5.1.3. Upper Basin Flood Control Projects

Flood impacts due to climate change and improper land use are increasing day by day. In order
to protect the soil and natural resources and reduce the impacts caused by floods, 62 Flood
Control Projects were produced and project support was provided between 2019 and 2023.

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