Water level dropped to 90 centimeters, common mind meeting for Gölhisar 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 “We Carry Gölhisar Lake to the Future” Climate and Ecology Workshop was organized with the aim of protecting and sustainably managing 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, Nature Conservation and National Parks officials, academicians, representatives of public institutions, and chamber and union presidents.

At the meeting, the current state of the lake and the roadmap prepared in light of scientific data regarding its future were 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. Presentations addressed 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.

It was emphasized at the meeting that especially in recent years, the decrease in water inflows to the lake, problems in drainage channels, and increasing reed density negatively affected the water level. It was noted that the water level in Gölhisar Lake has receded to 90 centimeters, and measures that can 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 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 assessment after the meeting, emphasized that the future of the lake is a shared responsibility of all institutions, stating, “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 islands in the last 3–5 years are an important indicator that the lake has reached its critical water level.

Gölhisar Vocational School Director 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 We Carry 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.”

The workshop concluded 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.