Analysis of the Relations Between Agricultural Production and Wetland By the Multidimensional Scaling Method

Abstract

Wetlands are of great importance in terms of their flora and fauna, and natural resources. These places help to protect the balance of nature by letting birds and plants live and reproduce. They also affect the climate of the region because of their water reserves. The National Park of the Gala lake is one of the most important wetlands on the intercontinental migratory bird route in the Enez county of Edirne in Turkey. In the last 30 years, socio-economic developments in the Thrace region have had environmental effects on the Gala lake. In this research various problems that were confronted in the Gala lake regarding the environment were analysed. In this connection 135 producers living around the lake were visited to collect research data. Data including the producer approach towards problems and solutions to the problems were analysed by the Multidimensional Scaling Method. According to the research findings farming and industrialisation increase the environmental problems on the lake. Pesticides and fertilisers used for farming have been reaching the Gala lake and forcing the lake absorption capacity. Another important problem is the high pollution level in the Ergene and Meric rivers. For that reason, industrial and urban wastewater should not reach the the Meric and Ergene rivers or at least wastewaters should be purified before reaching the lake. On the other hand, the controlled paddy farming method can help to reduce negative effects on the lake. Furthermore, the level of fertiliser and pesticide usage should be monitored by specialists to keep the farmers informed concerning suitable input usage.