Water level dropped to 90 centimeters, common mind meeting for Gölhisar Lake

At the meeting where it was stated that the water level in Gölhisar Lake had dropped to 90 centimeters, institutions decided to develop joint projects and solution proposals for the protection and sustainable management of the lake.
 

Under the leadership of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Gölhisar Vocational School Project Office and Western Burdur Development Desk (KAMA); with the coordination of Gölhisar District Governorship and Western Mediterranean Development Agency (BAKA), a “Carrying Gölhisar Lake to the Future” Climate and Ecology Workshop Meeting was organized to protect and sustainably manage Gölhisar Lake, one of Gölhisar's most important natural heritages.
 

The meeting, hosted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Gölhisar Vocational School, was attended by Gölhisar District Governor Emre Çifci, Gölhisar Mayor İbrahim Sertbaş, Western Mediterranean Development Agency Secretary General Volkan Güler, officials from Nature Conservation and National Parks, academicians, representatives of public institutions, and heads of chambers and unions.
 

At the meeting, a roadmap prepared in the light of scientific data regarding the current state and future of the lake was shared by Nature Conservation and National Parks Wetlands Branch Manager Ersan Berberoğlu and MAKÜ Faculty Member and Salda Lake Science Center Director Prof. Dr. İskender Gülle. In the presentations; wetland management plan, effects of climate change, efficient use of water resources, ecological risks, conservation of biological diversity, and project proposals focused on tourism and regional development were discussed.
 

It was emphasized at the meeting that especially in recent years, the decrease in water inflows to the lake, problems in drainage channels, and the increasing density of reeds and rushes negatively affected the water level. While attention was drawn to the fact that the water level in Gölhisar Lake had receded to 90 centimeters, the measures that could be taken and feasible projects to restore the lake to its former levels were evaluated in detail by the participants.
 

At the end of the meeting; it was agreed to prepare a comprehensive final report aiming to strengthen Gölhisar Lake in its ecological, agricultural, and economic aspects, and to apply for EUROLakes, BAKA, and European Union-supported projects in line with the report.
 

Gölhisar Mayor İbrahim Sertbaş, in his evaluation after the meeting, emphasized that the future of the lake is the common responsibility of all institutions, saying, “The effects of drought and climate change are now very clear. We will work together decisively to ensure the sustainability of Gölhisar Lake.”
 

Prof. Dr. İskender Gülle reminded that Gölhisar Lake has existed for thousands of years and stated that the rapid water loss in recent years poses a serious threat to biological life. Gülle expressed that the increasing plant islets, especially in the last 3–5 years, are an important indicator that the lake has reached its critical water level.
 

Gölhisar Vocational School Director Lecturer Murat Ertilav stated that the meeting was an important turning point for the region, saying, “Today, we hosted a very valuable meeting on behalf of our university. I believe that the steps taken within the scope of the Carrying Gölhisar Lake to the Future project will yield beneficial results for our region. I thank our District Governorship, Municipality, Development Agency, and our Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar for their support in the process. Hopefully, in the future, we will talk about results, not problems.” He said.
 

The workshop meeting ended with field inspections conducted around the lake. It is planned to share the comprehensive final report, which includes the evaluations and suggestions presented at the meeting, with the public.