Strict Supervision Imposed on Water Withdrawal from Wetlands
· Google Haberler
A new regulation published in the Official Gazette by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry mandates a 5-year permit for water withdrawal from wetlands, while only organic farming will be allowed in conservation basins.
New Permit Era for Wetlands
Amendments to the Regulation on the Protection of Wetlands, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, have been published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. In line with the new regulation, water withdrawal from wetlands and the rivers and streams feeding these areas has been subjected to strict supervision. According to the Ministry's decision, obtaining a permit has become mandatory for those wishing to benefit from water resources. It was announced that the permits issued will be valid for 5 years, and businesses that comply with the rules will be able to renew their permits. Administrative sanctions will be applied to users who do not apply within the specified period.
Environmental Flow Obligation on Rivers
With the regulation amendment, the aim is to protect the ecological balance in energy, irrigation, and drinking water structures on permanent or seasonal rivers. Minimum environmental flow rates for each riverbed will be calculated through technical studies to be conducted by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. Facility operators will be obliged to release this determined amount of water directly into the riverbed. The amount of water released into riverbeds cannot be reduced below the minimum level defined in the legislation under any circumstances.
Organic Farming Requirement in Conservation Areas
The protection boundaries of wetlands of national importance will be determined by the National Wetlands Commission. In cases where there is a demand for agricultural activity on privately owned parcels, only organic farming will be permitted without drainage. Producers will be required to submit a compliance certificate and certification in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Farming. On public lands, permits will be granted until existing leases expire, after which the organic requirement will apply, and opening new agricultural land will be completely prohibited.
Two-Year Period for Existing Facilities
The published regulation provides a 2-year transition period for all private sector water structures that became operational after January 30, 2002. Businesses within this scope must apply to the Provincial Directorates of Nature Conservation and National Parks within the specified period to complete their permit documents. For organized industrial zones operating in controlled use areas, a cumulative impact assessment report has been mandated, while it has been decided that unregistered artificial wetlands will be managed based on biodiversity.