CASE STUDY

ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRUCTURE AND FORESTRY

ACTIVITIES IN FOREST VILLAGES

IN MERSIN PROVINCE FROM THE POINT OF MEDITERRANEAN FORESTRY

Villages : Olukkoyagi, Inköy, Ardiçli, Kesli, Emirler, Eminlik & Kusçular

Melekber SULUSOGLU November 2004

SILVA MEDITERRANEA

SILVA MEDITERRANEA Projet «Forêts méditerranéennes et développement durable »

PLAN BLEU/ FAO PROJECT

CONTRIBUTION OF FOREST RESOURCES TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

A CASE STUDY CONDUCTED IN TURKEY, MERSIN

(Villages: Olukkoyagi, Inköy, Ardiçli, Kesli, Emirler, Eminlik and Kusçular )

By

Dr.Melekber SÜLÜSOGLU

Dr.Ahmet SENYAZ

Dr.Ersin YILMAZ

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CASE STUDY IN TURKEY SUMMARY

A case study has been conducted in 7 forest villages of Mersin Province, Tarsus town in Turkey in order to determine contribution of Mediterranean forestry to sustainable development, in particular, livelihoods of forest villagers under the auspices of FAO and Blue Plan. With this study, forest resources and their impacts on forest villagers located in Mediterranean Region were investigated.

To this end, opinion of local people, forestry staff and other stakeholders who have interest in forest resource management have been collected by using a participatory method. At the end of the survey sample scenarios for sustainable forestry practices have been formulated for the Region. In addition, attention of local authorities, ministries and related institutions have been drawn in order to build partnership and promote dialogue among them.

FRENCH SUMMARY

(Villages forestiers de Mersin)

Résumé de l’étude : L’étude de cas a été conduite, sous les auspices de la FAO et le plan bleu, dans 7 villages forestiers de la province de Mersin, ville de Tarse en Turquie. L’objectif de l’étude est de déterminer la contribution de la forêt méditerranéenne au développement durable, en particulier, la vie des populations des villages forestiers. L’étude a concerné les ressources forestières et leurs impacts sur les villages forestiers situés dans la région méditerranéenne. À cette fin, l'opinion des populations locales, du personnel forestier et des autres partenaires concernés par la gestion des ressource forestières a été recueillie en en utilisant une méthode participative. Ainsi, des exemples de scénarios de pratiques de gestion forestière durable ont été formulées pour la région. En outre, l’étude a permis d’attirer l’attention des autorités locales, des ministères et des institutions concernés en vue de l’établissement d’un partenariat et favoriser le dialogue entre les différents protagonistes.

2005, 55 pages

Key words: Mediterranean Region, forest resources, sustainable management, protection natural

resources

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This case study is the result of strong collaboration and contribution of people from FAO , Plan Blue

and Ministry of Environment and Forestry in Turkey.

Special thanks to Mersin Regional Directorate of Forest, South-East Forestry Research Institute and

Provincial Directorate of Environment and Forestry in Mersin for their active participation and

supports. Appreciation is also extended to Mr. Jean De Montgolfier and Mr. Luc Dassonville, who

are consultant and coordinator of Silva-Mediterranea/Plan Blue Regional Project, for their guidance

and support.

And thanks go to inhabitants of Olukkoyagi, Inköy, Ardiçli, Kesli, Emirler, Eminlik and Kusçular villages.

Also, special thanks to all participants for their contribution in all stages of the studies.

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CONTENTS

Summary

Acknowledgements

List of tables

List of figures

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Purpose of the Survey

1.2. General Features of the Survey Area

1.2.1. Geographical situation

1.2.2. Background

1.2.3. Ecological features

1.2.3.1. Climate

1.2.3.2. Soil structure

1.2.3.4. Vegetation

1.2.4. Settlements

1.2.5. Ownership and management of forests

2. METHOD OF SURVEY

2.1. Preparatory Meeting and Field Trip

2.2. Participatory Activities with Villagers and Interested Groups

2.3. Compiling Statistical Data

2.4. Organizing a Workshop in Mersin and Building the Scenarios

2.5. Awareness Raising Trip

3. FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY

3.1. Survey Results in the Villages

3.1.1. General information about the villages

3.1.1.1. Olukkoyagi village

3.1.1.2. Inköy village

3.1.1.3. Ardiçli village

3.1.1.4. Kesli village

3.1.1.5. Kusçular village

3.1.1.6. Eminlik Village

3.1.1.7. Emirler Village

3.1.2. Results drawn by mapping and H form

3.1.2.1. Positive opinions of the villagers on natural resources, forests resources and activities

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3.1.2.2. Negative opinions and scores of the villagers on natural resources, forests resources and activities

3.1.2.3. Recommendations and scores of the villagers for improvement of region, natural resources, forests resources and activities

3.2. Results from Negotiations with Line Agencies in the Region

3.2.1. Mersin and Tarsus Municipality

3.2.2. District Directorate of Tarsus (Local governor)

3.2.3. Mersin Regional Directorate of Forestry and Mersin provincial Directorate of Forestry

3.2.4. Problems in agriculture and activities of Mersin Provincial Directorate of Agriculture

3.2.5. Activities Tarsus Provincial Directorate of National Education

3.2.6. Activities on Mother-Child Healthy in Tarsus

3.2.7. Activities of Religion Department Tarsus (Mufti)

3.2.8. Activities by Directorate of Rural Services

3.2.9. Activities by Poultry firm

3.2.10. Activities of NGO’s

3.3. Economic Structure and Main Income Sources in Region

3.3.1. Status of forestry sector and its contribution to regional economy

3.3.1.1. Forest resources in Mediterranean Region and its importance to Turkish Forestry

3.3.1.2. Forest resources in Mersin

3.3.1.4. Forestry activities in Region

3.3.1.5. Important non-wood Forest Products

3.3.1.6. Factors which threats the natural structure and forests in the region

3.3.1.7. Contribution to regional Economy of Forest resources

3.3.1.8. Relations between villagers and forestry departments

3.3.2. Vegetative production and economical importance for region

3.3.2.1. Crop production

3.3.2.2. Horticultural plants

3.3.2.3. Agricultural equipment and machinery in the region

3.3.2.4. Main problems faced with in vegetative production

3.3.3. Livestock and animal products in the region

3.3.3.1. Cattle, sheep and goat breeding

3.3.3.2. Poultry (Broiler)

3.3.3.3. Beekeeping activities

3.3.3.4. Main problems in livestock production

3.3.3.5. Nomadic animal raising

3.3.4. Credit possibilities in the region

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3.3.5. Marketing of agricultural products

3.4. Social Structure in the Region

3.4.1. Social relations in the settlements

3.4.2. Social problems in the villages of the research area

3.4.3. The ability to organize of the people in the region and the cooperative structure

3.5. Demographic Structure

3.6. Public Services in the Region

3.6.1. Education system

3.6.2. Transportation and Communication services

3.6.3. Electricity, sewerage system and water waste treatment

3.6.4. Health services

3.6.5. Other services

3.7. Results of Workshop and building the scenarios

3.8. Results of Awareness Raising Trip

3.8.1. Bilinçlendirme gezisi yapilan köylerdeki gelisme süreci

3.8.2. Bilinçlendirme gezisinin çalisma bölgesindeki köylüler üzerinde etkileri

4. CONSEQUENCES AND SUGGESTIONS

REFERENCE

ANNEX

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1. General information on the villages

Table 1.2. Long term climatic data

Table 2.1. Participatory activities carried out in the villages

Table 3.1. Dissemination of opinions resource use in region and activities of forest department

Table 3.2. Income sources and importance to villagers

Table 3.3. Ranking resource uses in the Region* (Participatory studies)

Table 3.4. Distribution of forested area by the region in Turkey (ha)

Table 3.5. Forest Resource in Mediterranean Regional Directorates (ha)

Table 3.6. Change in forest resources in Tarsus Forest District for 10 years (ha)

Table 3.7. Situation of forested areas in survey region

Table 3.8. The activities of Inköy micro catchments project (2000-2003)

Table 3.9. Private afforestation in Mersin

Table 3.10. Relations of villagers with forest resources

Table 3.11. Distribution of Agricultural activities in the villages

Table 3.12. Distribution of land size by number of households.

Table 3.13. Agricultural Land use in the region

Table 3.14. Field crops (da)

Table 3.15. Distribution of fruit plantation areas (da)

Table 3.16. Agricultural Equipments and Machinery in the region

Table 3.17. Animal breeding for milk production

Table 3.18. In the region feeding and care condition of the animals and fodder production

Table 3.19. Poultry production in the villages.

Table 3.20. Beekeeping in the region

Table 3.21. Problems in livestock production and scores

Table 3.22. ORKÖY credits in the region

Table 3.23. Influential People and level of their influence

Table 3.24. Demographic structure in the region

Table 3.25. Education condition in the region

Table 3.26. Courses requested by villagers

Table 3.27. Transportation and communication

Table 3.28. Other services

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1. Local Surveys with Olukkoyagi,Inköy and Ardiçli villagers

Figure 3.2. Local surveys with Emirler, Eminlik, Kesli and Kusçular villagers

Figure 3.3.Studies with Ministry of Environment and Forestry Departments

Figure 3.4.Study with Mersin Provincial Directorate of Agriculture

Figure 3.5. Study with Tarsus Provincial Directorate of National Education

Figure 3.6.Study with Tarsus Mother-Child Health Service

Figure 3.7. Study with Mufti

Figure 3.8. Studies with Poultry Firms

Figure 3.9. General view from region and aforestation area

Figure 3.10. The bridge has been closed result of the erosion and aforestation areas for combating with erosion

Figure 3.11. Grazing activities in forest area (Emirler village)

Figure 3.12. Distribution of Farming Families in the villages

Figure 3.13. Distribution of agricultural activities in the villages

Figure 3.14. Distribution of arable land by size (da)

Figure 3.15. Awareness trip

Figure 3.16. Green houses and citrus areas in the Üçtepe village

Figure 3.17. Soil structure in study areas (left) and in the awareness trip areas (right)

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ANNEXES

Annex 4. General information about the villages

Annex 2. Activities carried out with institutions

Annex 3. Scenario 1.

Annex 4. Scenario 2.

Annex 5. The activities and responsibilities of institutions in scenario 2

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Purpose of the Survey

Forest is one of the important natural resources of the countries. Forests, which are renewable natural

resources, have several economic, social, cultural and environmental functions such as providing

wood and non-wood materials, offering recreational areas and protecting soil and regulating water

regime. Therefore, forests have to be planned and managed in such a way as to provide all society with

benefits from forests and to protect them, considering sustainable development.

In recent years, increase in the world population, initiatives for economic growth and social

improvement have been main factors for increased demands from forests. Concern about food

security, climatic change, depletion of Ozone layer, and desertification have become key

environmental challenges. As these threats have increased, forests have been attached more attention

and as a result, main changes in general policies of the countries have taken place. Rapid urbanization,

increased awareness on environmental issues, effective NGOs initiatives and their roles as a pressure

group, have been increasingly growing importance of local administrations have caused some

important changes. Countries have accelerated to planning activities of forests in a sustainable manner.

Providing data base, proper monitoring system and sharing information are of vital importance in

preparation of forest management plans. All these efforts provide an opportunity for countries located

on the same region to build partnership and share information in sustainable forest management. An

important partnership between Blue Plan and Silva-Mediterranea has been created under the Regional

Project which is aimed at seeking contributions of forestry to sustainable development. Under this

Project some case studies have been planned to conduct in some countries. Main purpose of case

studies is to create an outlook for future forestry in the Region and it’s contribution to sustainable

development.

Case study intends to determine the expectations of stakeholders from forest resources for the future,

considering ecological, economic, social and cultural factors and interaction between them. As a

result of the surveys, scenarios including proposal for the solutions have been formulated.

Ministry of Environment and Forestry in Turkey has participated in the Project being as a

Mediterranean country. Seven forest villages have been selected in Mersin Province, which is located

on South- Eastern Part of Turkey. Base-line surveys seeking economic and social conditions of the

villages have been conducted.

In the survey area most of the lands are scattered and agricultural lands are very limited. In most

villages other land-free sources for subsistence such as live-stock breeding are gaining more

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importance. In this circumstance, illegal grazing, encroachment, illegal hunting, illegal non-wood

forest harvesting have been seen in the region.

There is no way to manage forests without considering people living in the forested areas and having

improper life conditions. In recent years initiatives have been increased to involve forest villagers in

sustainable forest management and their full participation has been sought. In this survey status of

natural resources and forestry activities have been examined and existing subsistence sources have

been discussed and recommendations and proposals for actions have been made.

In addition, other stakeholders involved and other public institutions have been involved in these

scenario activities. Thus, scope of the activities have been enlarged.

It is believed that findings of the survey will contribute to all regions where forestry activates have

been carried out, particularly in Mediterranean region.

1.2. General Features of the Survey Area

1.2.1. Geographical situation

Survey region covers 7 villages in Mersin Province, in Tarsus town. These villages are located on the

western part and high altitude. These are at the transition zone between Mediterranean and Central

Anatolia where encompass Taurus and Bolkar mountains. (Içel-Tarsus-Inköy Micro Catchments

Pro-Report, 2002 General Directorate of Rural Affair).

Kesli and Ardiçli has the highest altitude in region. Winters in this villages are generally harsh. While

average altitude of forest villages in Turkey is over 500 m, average altitude of Kesli and Ardiçli is 969

m.

Eminlik, Ardiçli and Olukkoyagi are located on slope land, Kesli on ridge, and Emirler, Kusçular and

Inköy on foot of mountain.

Inköy has the nearest distance from its town, which is 45 km away. On the other hand, Olukkoyagi

has the furthest distance from its town, which is 67 km away (Table 1.1.).

Table 1.1. General information on the villages

Villages Altitude (m) Distance from town (km) Olukkoyagi 910 67 Inköy 900 45 Ardiçli 1050 55 Kesli 1150 60 Eminlik 950 55 Emirler 850 60 Kusçular 970 53 Average 969 56,4

Reference: Participatory studies

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Villages in the region have short distances from each other and the other villages vicinity to them.

Region has been divided by highway. On one side, Inköy and Ardiçli, on the other side Olukkoyagi

Kesli, Eminlik, Emirler and Kusçular are suited.

1.2.2. Background

Foundation date of the villages are unknown. However, local people are mostly immigrant known as

“yoruk” and growing goats. Over the last four decades supports from public institutions, some

advantageous of permanent settlements have caused them to give up immigration. Also, improved

communication networks, spread of modern agricultural techniques have made an effect on acceptance

of permanent settlement.

1.2.3. Ecological features

1.2.3.1. Climate

Region is located on the transition zone between Central Anatolia and Mediterranean Region.

Mediterranean Climate type has dominated on the region which is characterized by hot and dry

summer and rainy and warm winter season. Extreme temperature in summer is 36 degrees. Annual

average temperature is 14-18oC. In winter temperature is minus 0oC. A few number of days have risky

for freezing (Table 1.2).

These area is more rainy than Mediterranean sub region. Precipitation has been seen as snow and

serve as a basis for spring water. Climate is very dry and irrigation is necessary especially in dry

seasons. North winds dry vegetation and cause forest fires on Göksu valley.

Table 1.2. Long term climatic data

Months Average temperature

(oC)

Maximum temperature

( oC)

Minimum temperature

(oC)

Precipitation (mm)

Average relative

humidity (%)

Average wind speed

(m/sn)

Number of days

freezing January 3,5 17,1 -7,6 184,9 70 1,0 2,5

February 1,5 17,3 -6,3 108,7 72 1,0 1,0 March 8,5 23,3 -3,6 116,3 70 1,8 0,5 April 12,4 32,4 -1,5 66,2 63 1,7 0 May 16,5 33,4 3,9 85,1 66 1,6 0 June 20,9 35,7 8,9 41,8 61 1,6 0 July 23,6 36,3 12,1 10,2 63 1,7 0

August 23,5 35,4 12,4 5,2 48 1,7 0 September 20,5 36,0 8,4 22,3 55 1,7 0

October 15,2 31,3 2,5 45,7 58 1,9 0 November 10,0 24,4 -3,0 85,4 64 1,8 0,2 December 6,2 19,0 -6,6 210,1 72 1,9 0,9

Annual 13,8 36,3 -7,6 981,8 64 1,7 5,2

Reference: Records of Çamliyayla/Tarsus Meteorogical Station

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1.2.3.2. Soil structure

In Inköy, Olukkoyagi and Ardiçli soil is classified as brown soil, medium and weight texture and deep

and medium deep soil. From Kesli to Emirler and Eminlik soils are very stony. Soil is very shallow

and villagers have difficulty in ploughing the soil by man power or plow.

1.2.3.4. Vegetation

Mediterranean forests are of vital importance to Turkish forestry. Taurus mountains, ascending to a

height of 2000 m have located on this region. Region has been divided into three sub-region.

Mediterranean sub-region, Mediterranean mountainous region and Mediterranean meadows.

Mediterranean sub-region has mainly consisted of maquis and red pine forests as well as quercus, wild

olive, sandal, laurel etc. Mediterranean meadows which is located above a height of 2000 m, doesn’t

have any tree species, instead, mountainous meadows and steppe grass can grow on these region. In

the Mediterranean mountainous region altitude is between 1000-2000 m, and coniferous forests which

consist of cedar, black pine and fir dominate in this area. There is a buffer zone between sub

Mediterranean and Mediterranean mountainous region and some oak and juniper species grow on area

(Atalay, 2002).

Taurus mountains represents micro climatic areas. There is vegetation cover of richness.

Cehennemdere ve Kadincik valleys have variety and richness of vegetation. Main sources of water

have been created by this region. Survey area is located on mountainous area over the plan Tarsus.

There are cedar, fir and red pine in Ardiçli, Inköy and Olukkoyagi. Other villages have also same tree

species and there are also maquis fixed with laurel tree in Emirler and Eminlik villages.

1.2.4. Settlements

All settlements are gathered up. All forest villagers are located in forested areas. Kesli has 3

Olukkoyagi 1 neighboring. Other don’t have any. There are 1035 households in the region.

Most of the buildings are empty and they are occupied by some families in Summer season.

Olukkoyagi has the largest number of households (350).

Most houses have title deed and registered. Main materials to construct building are stone, brick and

wooden. Houses have generally two flats. First floor is allocated for hayloft, woodshed and warehouse

and second floor is allocated for the families.

Land Cadastral has been completed in all villages. However, forest cadastre has not completed in

Kusçular.

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1.2.5. Ownership and management of forests

Forest are managed by Ministry of Environment and Forestry and belonging to Government. After the

establishment of the Republic of Turkey, forest definition was first done in the forest Law, dated

18.2.1937 and no 3116. In the first original text of the law, forest definition was mentioned as “United

trees and shrubs which were grown by themselves or by workforce and give any kind of forest return

or yield are defined as forest with their habitats”.

After the cadastral studies in 1940, the Nationalize Law was put into effect in 1945. It was mentioned

in the article 2 (B) of the “Nationalize Law” No.4785, private stone pine forests in Kozak/Izmir have

been left outside the content of the Nationalization Law. This definition has never been revised so far.

Definition only contains the stone pines which were determined to be in the private lands at the date

when the law was put into effect. This region has great importance for this reason and there is no other

sample in Turkey.

Responsibility of management of the forest resources is given by law to the General Directorate of

Forestry (GDF) under Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The afforestration activities have been

carried out by AGM and OGM. Erosion control, range grazing and producing of seedless of forest

species are executed by AGM. Improvement of degraded forests and protection forest activities are

executed by OGM. Conservation and improvement of forest biodiversity (ecosystem, species, genetics

and process diversities), to establish of National Parks and other protected areas are given to

responsibility of DMP. Incoming generating activities in forest villages is given responsibility of

ORKÖY. Forestry research activities have been coordinated by Research and Development

Department of Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Research studies should be strengthened and

improved. Training, public relations and awareness activities of the Ministry of Forestry, have been

executed by the departments at the Ministry and OGM central units, by the units at division director

level in other general Directorates (Turkey National Forestry Programme, 2004).

Policies in Five Year Development Plans which are approved by the Turkish Higher parliament and

have legal status should be accepted as formal forestry policies of the country. VIII, Five Year

Development Plan which is still operational, forestry principles have been placed with ecosystem

approach as below;

(i)Sustainability (ii) multi-purpose management and utilization (iii) Participation(iv) Biodiversity

Conservation (v) Contribution to Community Development and Stability.

The studies on determination of forestry policies, evaluation of the implementations and

improvements, have been carried out generally by the state forest organization (Ministry of

Environment and Forestry). Participation and contributions of other community parties are lacking. In

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order to fill in this deficiency, great efforts have been spent. However, in spite of these efforts,

participation of stakeholder groups except for forest organizations and forestry faculties is not at the

expected level,

The present forest law 6831 (enacted in 1956) recognized three categories of ownership as (1) state

forests; (2) forests belonging to public institutions with legal personality; (3) private forests (less than

20000 ha). Presently the ownership of over 99 % of the forest lands and resources belong to the state

and are the property of the Treasury. Responsibility of conservation management and utilization of

these forest resources on behalf of the state is given to the General Directorate of Forestry under the

Ministry of Forestry.

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2. METHOD OF SURVEY

Survey has been conducted under the 5 phases.

2.1. Preparatory Meeting and Field Trip

Initially general preparatory meeting was held and a field trip was taken (Figure 2.1. and 2.2.). This

meeting was attended by Mr. Luc Dassonville, project coordinator, Mr. Jean De Montgolfier, project

consultant, Head of Research and Development Department, Regional Director of Forests in Mersin,

Province Director of Environment and Forest in Mersin, representatives and researchers from South-

East Forestry Research Institute. At the end of the meeting villages to be included in the survey were

selected. Extent of forestry activities, the dependency of villagers on forest resources and income

situations were considered in the selection of the villages. All selected villages are located in the

forest.

Villages have been divided into two groups. First group includes Kesli, Eminlik, Emirler and Kusçular

villages. Income levels in these villages are highly low. Most of the villagers grow goats. There is high

pressure on protection forests especially on laurel trees. Second group includes Olukkoyagi, Inköy ve

Ardiçli villages. In these villages income sources have varied. Forestry activities are highly dense and

goat breeding remains at a low rate. Awareness on natural resource protection is higher and

infrastructure has been nearly completed.

Figure 2.1. Preparatory meeting

7 forest villages were visited and villagers were consulted and general information of villages was

gathered during the field trip. Mr. Luc Dassonville and Jean De Montgolfier attended field trip.

2.2. Participatory Activities with Villagers and Interested Groups

Opinions of men and women in the villages were collected through mapping, Venn diagram drawing

and H form filling (Table 2.1.). Mapping is the first step of participatory surveys. People concentrate

on physical assets and natural resources and values in the villages and draw a map indicating main

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points. With this map they are able to determine main threats and opportunities in the villages and

make some recommendations to make the situation improved.

Figure 2.2. Field trip

Second step is Venn diagram. With this diagram, main resource users and their interactions with other

stakeholders have been determined. Villagers have determined which user group has influence over

resource use or interact with others.

Villagers declare themselves, private sector, saw mills, transporters, municipality and forest

department as main user groups. With H form villagers determine main weakness and strengths about

forest resource management in the villages. By using H form a question was asked people to answer

“are you satisfied with forestry department’s policy and resource management” and expectations of

people from forest resources were noted.

People work in groups. Enough time has been allocated to villagers to think in comfort. Every villager

has pencil and stick to express his feelings freely. All opinions have been attached with the form and

they have been demonstrated to everyone. People vote recommendations and give priority to them.

Main points at this survey are getting people involved in the survey and make the things visible

enough. There is no intervention and direction by surveyor during the survey. General information

about villages are given in Annex 1.

After the village surveys, information was gathered on the activities of line agencies carried out

currently and to be carried out in the future (Annex 2).

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Table 2.1. Participatory activities carried out in the villages

Villages Activities

Inköy, Ardiçli, Kesli,

Kusçular

Mapping, Venn diagram, H form activities

with men and women

Eminlik Because of work season women in that village refused to participate in activities.

Because of unwillingness to attend in activities only H forms were formed.

Olukkoyagi, Emirler Mapping, Venn diagram and H form were drawn with male participants, but due to

unwillingness of female participants only mapping were formed and their

recommendations were received.

2.3. Compiling Statistical Data

At this stage statistical data of regional economic and social structure and forest resources was

compiled. Some literature surveys were done.

2.4. Organizing a Workshop in Mersin and Building the Scenarios

A workshop was organized in Mersin. All the interested groups (villagers, NGO’s and governmental

institutions) studied in collaboration in this workshop. They developed 2 scenarios. First one was

about good situation that local people will have enough financial and technical support for their

development. The other scenario was pessimistic one that villagers will continue to use all resources in

unsustainable way. The scenarios were developed for a period of 20 years. Questionnaire has also

been used for determining existing situation in the villages. This also contributes to gather information

on natural resources in region. Questionnaires have been completed by men and muhtars in the

villages.

2.5. Awareness Raising Trip

2 villagers from every village joined to awareness trip. There are greenhouses in these villages and

people produce tomatoes, cucumber and roses. One of these villagers produces some vegetables in the

field. The soil on the fields was gathered from the degraded forest areas. Irrigation water was also

provided from the place at 30 km distance from villages. Nowadays, the villagers in these villages

have chance to export these products.

During field surveys, forest villagers have been informed about some income generating activities and

probable development initiatives and public institution’s projects for the villages. However, villagers

are generally reluctant to adopt any new initiatives without seeing consequences of some sample

initiatives.

That approach has allowed to building awareness of the villagers on applicability of some initiatives in

their villages as well.

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3. FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY

3.1. Survey Results in the Villages

3.1.1. General information about the villages

3.1.1.1. Olukkoyagi village

There are 350 households and population is 800 (Figure 3.1.). There is no out migration in the village.

Village people respect towards the traditions. Forests have been degraded due to long-standing grazing

almost for 30-40 years. Therefore some people in the village went to Adana for agricultural works.

With the initiative of forest department some forestry activities such as rehabilitation and afforestation

have resulted in creating incomes for the villagers. People living in Olukkoyagi, Inköy and Ardiçli

village have worked at forestry activities every year. They are aware that income generation from

forestry activities have contributed to their living conditions. Protection of forests in the villages also

prevents people from flood and erosion. Villagers request government to support goat breeding and

beekeeping.

The most important source of income is poultry in Olukkoyagi village. After good income has been

gained in Inköy village, since 1997 poultry has become important income source in Olukkoyagi as

well. In recent years orchard farm have been attached attention. In recent years orchard farms have

been paid attention. When irrigation water project is completed, agricultural activities in the villages

will increase. Villagers want to grow cherry as well.

This village is the only village that has secondary school.

3.1.1.2. Inköy village

There is 190 households in village. Population is 713 (Figure 3.1.). A micro-catchments project that

is funded by World Bank was executed. Afforestation and rehabilitation activities carried out in the

village under the project have resulted in raised awareness of people. Rehabilitation activities create

work opportunity for the villagers. Support of public institutions for poultry and livestock breeding has

been positive results. Inköy is the first village where poultry activities first initiated. Coops are

promoted after income of villagers from forestry increase. At the beginning coops were constructed

near the houses. However because of wastes extracted, coops have been constructed on the areas far

from houses. There has been primary school in Inköy since 1951. School building was restored in

2004. There is also health center in village, but it is close due to absence of personnel.

3.1.1.3. Ardiçli village

There are 220 households and population is 600 (Figure 3.1.). Project wanted villagers to give up goat

growing for successful afforestation. People have stopped growing goat and sold their goats and

11

settled in the village. They have undergone adaptation problem after nomadic life. Villagers refused to

psychological treatment. There is poultry in this village. Because of costly investment it has not been

common. Main source of income is forestry. There is a cooperative of 200 members. Village legal

entity is very active. Timber sells with standing volume has been demanded by villagers if contractor

available. They have requested government to invest in village.

Inköy

Ardiçli

Olukkoyagi

Figure 3.1. Local Surveys with Olukkoyagi,Inköy and Ardiçli villagers

3.1.1.4. Kesli village

There are 70 households. Population of village is 350 (Figure 3.2.). Goat and sheep breeding is

common. Villagers also grow wheat and barley. They also produce cheese to the extend they meet

their own needs. They requested forestry department employment for harvesting. Main problem of the

people in the village is to be reluctant to team work. There is conflict between the old and the young.

Irrigation facilities are limited. Support has been required for poultry and fattening breeding. Women

are conscious on benefits of non-wood forest products. They have required training on production of

12

these products. First founder of cooperative in village was a lady. She was also chairwoman of the

cooperative. She has participated in the survey. Great efforts have been done for reviving the existing

cooperative.

Emirler

Eminlik

Kesli

Kusçular

Figure 3.2. Local surveys with Emirler, Eminlik, Kesli and Kusçular villagers

13

3.1.1.5. Kusçular village

There are 70 households. Population of village is 180 (Figure 3.2.). Out migration has stopped and

people began to return village. Laurel has been grown in the village. There is goat grazing in forest

area. Protected areas have increased due to regeneration activities. That narrows grazing areas. The

have intended to stop breeding goats. There is need for investment in livestock breeding. It will be

difficult for villagers to replace released grazing with breeding in the barn. Main problem in the

village is insufficient water. They requested Government to construct water pond in the village. Only

single crop is grown in a year. The next year, lands are fallowed. If the water is available, second crop

will be able to be grown. There is wild pistachio and may be grafted. Wheat, barley, walnut and

pomegranate fruits have been grown by rain fed. Province Authority has delivered these kinds of seeds

at a low rate. Range improvement activities have been demanded by Ministry of Agriculture.

Cultivated mushroom production may be supported. Cooperative is active in this village. Merging two

cooperatives in Emirler and Kusçular was proposed but not accepted by the villagers.

3.1.1.6. Eminlik Village

There are 55 households. Population of village is 120 (Figure 3.2.). Young population has decreased.

Due to the insufficient forest land, forestry activities are limited. Villagers request to invest in

livestock breeding in order to stop immigration. There are 6 mushroom species around the village.

Arable land is limited. Problem of water is about to solve. There was conflict during the muhtar

election. That effected cooperative activities negatively.

3.1.1.7. Emirler Village

There are 80 households. Population of village is 300 (Figure 3.2.). Living condition has been

improved by irrigation water in the village. Emirler is one of the villages where illegal cuttings are

common. In recent years illegal cuttings have fallen due to the limited forest land and people’s

awareness. Emirler village has not wanted to protect the laurel areas because of grazing there are

numerous wild olive woods and wild pistachios (Pistacia terabentus) in the region. Villagers

requested government to graft wild olives on the areas between Emirler and Çokak. Capari is widely

growing. Because of heavy grazing it has not been able to be protected. In the area afforestation by the

village legal entity will benefit for people. There are 17 thyme species. With the protection of the areas

populations of the species have increased. Over time these areas have been planned to give people.

This is a poor village and modern home materials are very few.

3.1.2. Results drawn by mapping and H form

It can be drawn by the grade on H forms that villagers believe themselves to underestimate natural

resources surrounding villages (Table 3.1.).

14

Table 3.1. Dissemination of opinions resource use in region and activities of forest department

Participants Grade Opinion Village Sex Number

of person Age

average Resource

use Forest

resource use

Forestry activities

Positive (%)

Negative (%)

Male 11 48,5 5.0 5.0 1.9 44,0 56,0 Olukkoyagi Female** 9 49,2 - - - 35,7 64,3

Male 18 46,8 4.9 1.5 6.9 47,8 52,2 Inköy Female 15 38,5 5.9 6.1 6.4 52,4 47,6 Male 26 45,1 2.1 6.6 5.6 38,9 61,1 Ardiçli

Female 10 37,5 4.1 3.6 5.7 31,6 68,4 Male 9 48,2 2.2 9.2 9.6 42,1 57,9 Kesli

Female 14 28,7 3.7 8.3 1.7 45,0 55,0 Male 14 38,0 1.9 9.5 9.5 46,7 53,3 Kusçular

Female 15 31,6 5.3 9.6 8.0 38,1 61,9 Male ** 18 45,4 - - - 31,6 68,4 Eminlik Female

** - - - - - - -

Male 13 38.5 4.2 5.6 1.9 44,0 56,0 Emirler Female

** 6 42,5 - - - 40,0 60,0

Male 3,4 6,2 5,9 Female 4,8 6,9 5,5

Average

General 3,9 6,5 5,7 Forest

Department Male 8 39,8 6,0 5,3 7,2 60,7 39,3

* Grading is made between 0-10. Average of the points given by villagers. ** No point available

However, importance of forest resources has been well known by the villagers. They found forest

department’s activities semi-satisfactory. It is clear that villagers are not satisfied with the

implementations of laurel production. Villagers in Olukkoyagi have found forestry services

inadequate. In Kesli men are very satisfied with forestry activities carried out by forestry department,

but women don’t agree with this opinion. They consider that wildlife reserves have not been protected

effectively by forestry department. They complain on the lack of assessment and promotion of non-

wood forest products. In Kusçular most of the villagers are satisfied with the forestry activities carried

out by forestry department. Their grade are very high on the H form (Table 3.1.). In conclusion

Villagers other than those who lives in Eminlik ve Emirler are aware of forest resources and concern

about degradation of these resources.

Opinions about resources using can be divided into two categories. First one is positive other is

negative. In general, positive opinions are more than negative ones (Table 3.1.).

3.1.2.1. Positive opinions of the villagers on natural resources, forests resources and activities

?? There is no out-migration in region. However, There is concern about that unemployment will cause The youth to leave villages for finding job in city center and settle there in the future.

?? People living in the village benefit from clean air, water and intrinsic values of the forest. Despite a number of difficulties, they’d rather live in the country than the city.

15

?? Everyone in the villages has arable land. They grow grain on these agricultural lands.

?? Over the last decade initiatives for establishing cooperatives have accelerated.

?? Agricultural Department organize training courses on beekeeping, fodder production etc.

?? For the young girls in villages some training courses on handicrafts production are organized by Agricultural Directorate and Publish Education Directorate

?? Health checks of the children in the villages were taken place regularly up to last two years. Established mobile teams served women and children on birth control and child health.

?? Relation between forest department and forest villagers is good. Upon request, forest department makes contributions to activities in the villages.

?? Forest roads are being used to access agricultural lands.

?? Wood material was provided by forest. Wood is the main fuel source in region.

?? Working in the forest is a main income source of the villagers.

?? Forest is of vital importance to villagers for livestock raising. They gaze their animals on the open areas in the forest.

?? They collect some non-wood forest products such as mushroom, thyme, snail and laurel. They use them for their needs and sell a portion of them to the markets. They also collect some herbs for medicinal use and spices.

?? Forest is also suitable for beekeeping.

?? Recently, illegal lodging and forest fires have decreased in number. The villagers are aware of detrimental effects of illegal hunting. They appreciated protection activities of wild animals and the increment on the number of wild animals.

?? Some activities such as afforestation and erosion control protect soil loss and flood. As a result villages have been rehabilitated and restored.

3.1.2.2. Negative opinions and scores of the villagers on natural resources, forests resources and activities

?? Frequently there has been electricity cut, due to insufficient infrastructure. That causes difficulty in lighting and heating, especially for poultry producers. (62)

?? Roads need maintaining. Beekeepers and other villagers have difficulty in going up to meadows and agricultural lands, because of bumpy roads. (109)

?? There is not sufficient amount of water in the villages. People dealing with animal raising have to carry the required water by tankers. Poultry farms are out of the villages and there is no watering system for them. In addition, there is no any water ponds, either. Villagers are not able to get benefit from water sources around the villages (218).

?? There is no school in the villages other than Olukkoyagi. Mobile education system cause some troubles for the villagers in Kesli, Emirler, Kusçular ve Eminlik (53)

?? There is not sufficient course on computer, handcraft and foreign language for youth (50)

?? Ladies in Olukkoyagi, Kesli and Emirler complain about preventing children from studying at high school after secondary school (16).

?? There is no areas allocated to youth for sport and leisure activities. Children play on the road and face danger (29)

16

?? There is no health center serving people in the villages. Women still give birth to their children in the village (54)

?? There is no sewerage system in the villages (-)

?? There is no sufficient phone network and connection in the village (9)

?? Provision of subsidized wood material is not enough and at a high price (22)

?? Unemployment is a major concern in the villages. There s no income sources for youth other than working at forestry activities and farming (71)

?? Income from harvesting activities from forest is very low. Wages are not paid duly. Villagers only can provide their livelihood, they can’t save money to invest in any business (12)

?? Agricultural products are sold at a low rate. (12)

?? There is not enough range lands in the villages. Ban on animal grazing on afforestation areas put the villagers into trouble (13)

?? There is no basic centers such as extension office or veterinary center to make people known about raising animal (92)

?? Potential for beekeeping is not properly used (6)

?? Credits provided are not sufficient. Payback conditions are not convenient (3)

?? Because of insufficient education level, cooperative system has not improved. Villagers have difficulty in establishing and managing cooperatives. So, They don’t make use of credits provided for cooperatives (-)

?? Forest workers are not insured. In case of casualty, there is not relief for them (13)

?? During cadastral survey technicians included individual lands in to forested lands in Inköy and Emirler (0)

?? Mostly women work in the field. They don’t have economic freedom (14)

?? Protection activities for the wild animals is not sufficient. Number of species such as wild goat, jackal and partridge have declined (3)

?? Poultry farms cause environmental issues in Olukkoyagi and Inköy. Manures stink (19)

?? Villagers are against with clear cut harvesting (10).

3.1.2.3. Recommendations and scores of the villagers for improvement of region, natural resources, forests resources and activities

?? Cadastral surveys should be completed as soon as possible. The areas taken over by forestry agency as a result of cadastral surveys should be given back to villagers Arable lands in forests should be delivered to village people (5)

?? Municipalities should provide some vehicles with villages for mass transportation (3).

?? Health centers should be established in central places that will be able to serve all villages as well (57).

?? To stop accidents roads should be improved. Villagers can also participate in road constructions. Forest road should be constructed and range areas should be designed 65).

?? Forest villagers should be benefited from water resources in the forest more efficiently. The irrigation system and irrigation pools should be built (170).

17

?? A new school should be built between the villages. A library should be built in every village and should be put a computer for villagers. Some courses (computer, foreign language etc.) should be organized by the education institution. Education of girls should be paid special attention (82)

?? Electric transformers should be repaired in partnership with villagers (65)

?? Sport areas should be designed in the village. Forest agency should support in the construction of football pitch in the village (35)

?? Transmitters for TV broadcasting should be strengthened (4)

?? Network for mobile phone connection should be improved (0).

?? During the forestry activities all the works should be done by forest villagers as soon as possible (10)

?? Some facilities (sewing, carpet business and handcraft) for ladies to enjoy themselves should be constructed (57).

?? Round-wood and fuel-wood subsidies should be continued to provide at lower prices

?? Support should be given for marketing non-wood products such as thyme, laurel. Forest villagers (especially wanted by women) should be trained on harvesting and evaluating of non-wood forest products

?? Subsidized price for wood and fuel wood should be determined with villagers. (9)

?? Forest workers should be insured. (16

?? Afforestation areas should be opened for controlled- grazing (1)

?? Beekeeping activities should be supported and improved (16).

?? Viniculture should be supported in the region (0)

?? Animals for breeding should be provided and villagers should be supported to fodder production (125)

?? Cooperatives should be supported and people should be encouraged to establish cooperatives. (21).

?? A portion of the villagers in Eminlik want forestry department to support for goat raising(18)

?? Villagers should be educated on animal raising (17)

?? Poultry farming should be supported and improved (38).

?? Afforestation areas should be determined taking into consideration range lands requirements of the villagers (8

?? Hunting pigs that have destructive affects on agricultural crops should not be banned

?? Credit for ORKÖY activities should be increased (especially for sheep breeding and poultry)

?? Collecting place for manure should be built (3).

?? Clear cutting should be stopped. (3)

?? Villager should be trained on plowing techniques and soil protection (1)

18

?? Grazing in the forest should be banned not only for goats but also other animals People should raise their goat in a closed buildings (14

?? Forestry agency should be strengthened to protect and maintain forests

?? Areas needed for afforestation should be afforested (13).

?? Poultries should be constructed out of the village

3.2. Results from Negotiations with Line Agencies in the Region

3.2.1. Mersin and Tarsus Municipality

Major of Mersin Municipality and Major of Tarsus expressed their pleasure to get informed on

forestry activities and express their gratitude for forestry activities. They believe that Province

coordination meetings will make a great contribution to collaboration among institutions. Tarsus

Municipality will also make contribution to dissemination of survey results to the villagers.

3.2.2. District Directorate of Tarsus (Local governor)

Public institutions in the region have worked under the auspices of local governor. These villages have

made use of social development fund through Local Governor. Local Governor stated that he will

support the project activities in the villages.

3.2.3. Mersin Regional Directorate of Forestry and Mersin provincial Directorate of Forestry

H form was made with them (Figure 3.3) and their recommendations are given in below.

?? Coordination should be created between MOF and other institutions for development of villages and protection of natural resources

?? Harvesting operations should be controlled in the forests

?? Some forest areas should be allocated to agro-forestry activities

?? Staff should be retained from political pressure and should be motivated

?? Forestry policy should be reformulated according to needs of the villagers

?? Some seminar should be organized to make people awakened on nature protection

?? Forest agencies should be in good relations with people

?? Forest agencies should be in good relations with people

?? Better dialogue should be built between forest departments and NGOs

?? Incoming activities should be carried out together with Ministry of Agriculture

?? Control should be strengthened in the villages to prevent illegal hunting

?? Endemic species should be protected and publicized

?? Non-wood forest product should be harvested by taking protective measures into account

?? Garbage stored in the forests should be banned

?? Forests should be managed by multi-purposes

19

?? Staff should be appointed by a formulated appointment board

?? Staff should be worked at the same places at least 5 years

?? Cooperatives which are very efficient in development should be supported

?? Income generating trees should be selected during the afforestation

?? Forest villagers should participate in the forest planning

?? Accountability of the Local authorities should be enhanced

?? Crafting and handcrafting should be supported in the villages

?? Private forest establishment should be supported for protection of forest

?? Water resources should be detected and protected

?? Eco-tourism should be encouraged

?? All activities should be explained to people and asked for their participation

Environment-Forest Provincial Directorate Tarsus District Directorate

Figure 3.3.Studies with Ministry of Environment and Forestry Departments

3.2.4. Problems in agriculture and activities of Mersin Provincial Directorate of Agriculture

The biggest problem is lack of irrigation water in this area. To solve irrigation problem in short-term,

irrigation ponds that have capacity of 200-400 ton have to be constructed. There are sanitary problems

in the barns. Less costly and well ventilated semi-open barns have to be constructed. Some sample

applications have been good results. Ventilation in existing barns has to be improved.

Figure 3.4.Study with Mersin Provincial Directorate of Agriculture

Provincial Directorate of Agriculture has supported villages through cooperatives (Figure 3.4.).

Training seminars have been organized for villagers on crop raising, fodder production and

20

processing. In addition, subventions, subsidies, veterinary services have been provided for villagers

through cooperatives. Cooperative should be established for providing villager with these services.

There is also potential for beekeeping because honey is valuable.

3.2.5. Activities Tarsus Provincial Directorate of National Education

Mobile education system is very common in the region. Selection of the schools in this system has

been organized by Provincial Directorate of National Education taking account of villager’s opinions

(Figure 3.5.). In Inköy and Ardiçli villages there are no transportation problems, due to the short

distance from the schools. However, for the other villagers there have been troubles in transporting

students because of long distance, especially in the winter. People living in these villages requested

government to build a school nearby their villages.

Figure 3.5. Study with Tarsus Provincial Directorate of National Education

3.2.6. Activities on Mother-Child Healthy in Tarsus

The most comprehensive healthy service has been given by Mother-child health center (Figure 3.6.).

They served people for family planning, reproductive health, and sexual health issues. The team also

trained young girls in the villages. However these services are not sufficient due to financial

constraints and team fails to serve effectively. The most vulnerable group is children and there is also

great demand of women for birth control. Therefore these activities should be continued and

improved.

Figure 3.6.Study with Tarsus Mother-Child Health Service

21

3.2.7. Activities of Religion Department Tarsus (Mufti)

Villagers have demanded for training on some of the aspects related to religion from Mufti. Religious

have influence on people in the villages. Mufti stated the survey would help to announce the problems

and recommendations for solving them (Figure 3.7.).

Figure 3.7. Study with Mufti

3.2.8. Activities by Directorate of Rural Services

This directorate is responsible for constructing village roads, infrastructure for irrigation and drinking.

These are the most critical activities in the region to be taken into account.

3.2.9. Activities by Poultry firm During the survey, some of the poultry firms have been negotiated

(Figure 3.8.).

Akyem Poultry Firm

Saray Poultry Firm

Figure 3.8. Studies with Poultry Firms

22

There are producers in every village linked to these firms. Since 1998 these firms have diverted their

investment to domestic markets and urged people to participate in poultry production by covering

some costs. These firms had also positive effects on the small producers as well. Main factors

effecting costs in poultry are quality of chicken, quality of feed and sanitary conditions.

3.2.10. Activities of NGO’s

There has not been any effective studies until now in the study area, but they have been planning some

activities to protection of forest and environment. The most known NGO’s are Turkish Foundation for

Combating Erosion, for Reforestation and Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA) and Forest Village

Development Cooperatives Central Union (OR-KOOP).

3.3. Economic Structure and Main Income Sources in Region

Main income sources of the villagers are agricultural activities, forestry and animal breeding.

However, there are also villagers who provide their incomes from other activities such as grocer,

miller, baker, coffeehouse holder, lumberman and blacksmith. A few people go to Tarsus, Mersin and

Adana to work in railway construction, mining and forestry. Income sources of the villagers and their

importance has been given in Table 3.2. It is seen that sources of income in Olukoyagi and Inköy

vary, whereas, in Eminlik sources of income are fewest.

There is no income sources in the region such as weaving, handicrafts, wood engraving and working

in the field. However in Kesli women stated that incase of having an active cooperative they would be

able to market the products they produce and they required some courses on handicraft and weaving.

Table 3.2. Income sources and importance to villagers

Animal production Plant production

Village Poultry Grazing

Livestock Breeding

Beekeeping Fruit-vegetable

Field Mining Trade Forest

works NWFP*

Olukkoyagi 1 2 3 5 - 3 - 6 4 - Inköy 1 3 2 5 - - 7 6 4 -

Ardiçli 3 1 4 4 - - - 5 2 - Kesli - 1 - 3 - - - 4 2 -

Eminlik - 1 - - - - - 2 - - Emirler - 1 2 - - 3 - - 5 4

Kusçular - 1 4 - - 2 - 5 3 - *NWFP: Non-wood Forest Products.

Reference: Questionnaire studies

According to results from Venn diagram main user groups and relations of interest groups with

resource have been shown in Table 3.3. Villagers stated that forests represent one of the main income

sources. For this reason, the highest point have been given to forest resources. They are aware

themselves to be in closer relations with forest department. Forest villagers depend on forests and

involve in all activities of forestry. Likewise, they think private sector benefits from forest more than

villagers. They also state some natural resources such as water, meadows, lands and areas for hunting

23

have been used by them. However, utilization level of these resources has been rather low, compared

to forest resources.

Table 3.3. Ranking resource uses in the Region* (Participatory studies) User group Villagers Private sector** Public agencies***

Participatory group

Female Male Female Male Female Male

Resource Use relation Use Relation Use Relation Use Relation Use Relation Use Relation Wood 3,5 5,0 3,5 5,0 3,5 2,3 3,2 1,3 5,0 4,0 3,7 3,3

Hunting 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,3 0,5 0,6 1,0 0,0 0,0 0,2 0,2 NWFP* 0,4 2,2 0,4 2,2 0,3 0,2 0,1 0,2 0,0 0,0 0,2 0,5 Water 1,8 2,0 1,8 2,0 1,3 0,8 1,5 1,7 0,8 0,5 2,2 0,5

Agriculture 2,0 3,8 2,0 3,8 0,0 0,0 0,5 0,3 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 Horticulture 0,5 1,0 0,5 1,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0

Poultry 1,3 2,5 1,3 2,5 1,3 1,0 1,3 0,8 0,5 0,8 0,8 0,7 Livestock 3,0 5,0 3,0 5,0 3,3 1,5 3,0 1,2 0,0 0,0 0,3 0,3

Bee-keeping 1,3 3,0 1,3 3,0 0,5 1,0 0,2 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0

Transportation 0,3 1,0 0,3 1,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,2 0,3 *5: The most usage of resource; 1: The least usage of resource 5:The most important relation with resource; 1: The least important relation with resource **Wood merchant, timber merchant, sawmill, hunters etc. ***Forest Department, Municipalities and other public organizations and institutions. 3.3.1. Status of forestry sector and its contribution to regional economy

3.3.1.1. Forest resources in Mediterranean Region and its importance to Turkish Forestry

Mediterranean forestry features in Turkish forestry. %21.4 of total forested areas is on the

Mediterranean region. Mediterranean has the second largest forested area after the Black Sea Region

in Turkey (Table 3.4.).

In Mediterranean Region Forests have been managed by 5 Regional Directorate of Forest. %43,1 of

Mediterranean forests in Turkey is high forest and high coppice forest , while %56,7 of that is

degraded forest and coppice forest. (Table 3.5.). Degraded forest areas have been attached special

attention in order to provide enabling environment for wildlife management. Non-wood forest

products have been increasingly given priority in new management plans. Mersin province is famed

with thyme and laurel species. Recently thyme species has been improved and improved plants have

been delivered to producers. That provides income for villagers.

Table 3.4. Distribution of forested area by the region in Turkey (ha)

Region High forest Degraded forest Total Mediterranean 1913971 2499473 4413444 Black Sea 3149478 2249873 5399351 Marmora 1936973 1068076 3005049 Aegean 1682964 1691933 3374897 Central Anatolia 681266 1218410 1899676 East-Southeast Anatolia

1442947 1134092 2577039

Total 10807599 9859455 20667054

Reference: Records of Mersin Regional Directorate of Forest

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Table 3.5. Forest Resource in Mediterranean Regional Directorates (ha)

Isparta Antalya Adana Mersin K.Maras Total Productive High forest 307986 548447 405754 335275 267494 1864956 Degraded high forest 275723 504758 310518 421096 378560 1890655 Total high forest 583709 1053205 716272 756371 646054 3755611 Productive coppice 1003 1172 13910 1376 31554 49015 Dedraded coppice 132283 16402 127722 46246 286165 608818 Total coppice 133286 15574 141632 47622 317719 655833 Productive forest 308989 549619 419664 336651 299048 1913971 Degraded forest

408006 521160 438240 467342 664725 2499473

Total forest area 716995 1070779 857904 803993 963773 4413444 Openings 1024357 926179 3762788 755084 4877666 11346074 General area 1741352 1996958 4620692 1559077 5841439 15759518

Reference: Records of Mersin Regional Directorate of Forest

3.3.1.2. Forest resources in Mersin

Mersin province area covers 1.5 million ha. Forests cover about 803 993 ha. Growing stock is 34

million cubic meter. According to inventory survey in 1992 annual increment is 700 000 qm and

allowable cut is 500 000 qm. In 2002 forest inventory surveys have been initiated and cadastral

surveys have been completed by % 80.

Forest areas in Tarsus town covers 100 664 ha. Half of the forested area is degraded. For the last

decade high forest area has increased. A part of the productive coppice forests is transferred into high

forest. (Table 3.6.).

Table 3.6. Change in forest resources in Tarsus Forest District for 10 years (ha)

Forest type 1992 2002 Productive high forest 43018 55087 Degraded high forest 27403.5 44669 Productive coppice 1116.5 908 Degraded coppice 27374 - Total Forest area 98912 100664

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Forest

3.3.1.3. Forest resources in Region

General area of the region is 23132 ha. Total forested area is 13000 ha. in the region Productive forest

cover is 6505 ha. Most of the degraded forests are located in Inkoy. (Table 3.7.) To rehabilitate these

areas General Directorate of afforestation and Erosion Control has been launched a Project. However

water needed for irrigation and drinking can not be provided to village.

25

Table 3.7. Situation of forested areas in survey region

Venue Productive forest area

Degraded forest area

Total forest area

Openings

Olukkoyagi, Inköy ve Ardiçli villages

2101 5421 7522 6145

Kusçular, Kesli, Eminlik ve Emirler villages

4404 1992.5 6396.5 159.5

Total survey area 6505 7413.5 13918.5 6304.5 Tarsus 55995 44669 100664 Mersin 336651 467342 803993 755084

Total area of Mediterranean Region

1913971 2499473 4413444 11302558

Turkey 10807599 9859455 20667054 55865651

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Forest

3.3.1.4. Forestry activities in Region

Wood production

As of 2004, annual growing stock of Regional Directorate of Forest in Mersin is 390.000 qm and

produced amount is 255.000 qm. Mersin is the region where the largest standing sale has been taken

place. Standing volume was directly sold to forest village cooperatives and after that cooperatives sell

it to lumberman. Harvesting activities have been done by villagers who are member of village

cooperatives under the supervision of General Directorate of Forestry. In this way it is possible for

villagers to benefit from harvesting activities efficiently. Also, woods were transported by forest

cooperatives. Thus, forest villagers have opportunity to gain income from transportation of woods.

Silviculture activities

As it is the case in Mediterranean region, in Tarsus, half of the forested area is non-productive.

Functional planning has become much important for the last two decades. Also some areas covering

non-forest products have to be rehabilitated .All these activities such as natural generation, artificial

generation and rehabilitation have been carried out were carried out by forest villagers. 6 million YTL

has been allocated for silviculture activities for the year 2004.

Combating diseases

A forested area of 82.000 ha has been affected by the insect (Thamatopoa pityacampa) and combating

activities include mechanically (10000 ha) and chemically (72000 ha) by the villagers.

Afforestation activities

These activities have been carried out by Provincial Directorate of Environment and Forest,

Afforestation Division Directorate (AGM) and Regional Forest Directorate in Mersin. Afforestation

activities have been carried out by villagers who are member of cooperatives. Forest villagers are very

26

successful in planting trees. Private afforestation activities have also been supported by individuals.

Village legal entity has planted and grafted olive and pistachio on an area of 171.5 ha in Olukkoyagi

village.

In Inköy, Olukkoyagi and Ardiçli micro-catchments pasture, afforestation and erosion control

activities have been carried out under the Watershed Rehabilitation Project funded by World Bank

(Table 3.8. and Figure 3.9.). Under a new SRAP project initiative, 62000 USD will be allocated for

pasture rehabilitation, and erosion control.

Table 3.8. The activities of Inköy micro catchments project (2000-2003)

Type of activities Application Erosion control activities 1250 ha

Pasture rehabilitation 425 ha Afforestation (cedrus) 250 ha

Protection of natural cover (pasture)

535 ha

Forest roads construction 260 km Boundary activities 124 km

After afforestation planted areas have been closed down for grazing. That causes conflicts between

villagers and forestry department sometimes but generally this kind of afforestation activities have

been supported by villagers because they gain income from these activities. Early 2003, a code

encourage villagers to protect forest areas and got them involved in protection activities. Afforestation

areas have been guarded by village legal entities. Earned money by village entity has been transferred

to village budget.

Ardiçli village

Figure 3.9. General view from region and aforestation area

Private afforestation activities

Ministry of Environment and Forestry has been working with great effort to increase the private

afforestation. Afforestation areas established in the state forests, can be carried out on behalf of

individuals or village legal entities. Individuals or village legal entities can hire the lands from

Treasury for private afforestations to be done in Treasury lands. Hiring process for the areas that are

accepted to be state forests and need afforestation is done from the General Directorate of Forestry.

Afforestation area

27

Individuals or village legal entities apply to the General Directorate of Afforestation and Erosion

Control (AGM), the project is prepared and later on afforestation is carried out. The lands are hired for

49 years for both situations. Procedure related to hiring is carried out according to the Law. no.3302

and dated 5.6.1986. In the related law, it was dictated that “the afforestations are done according to the

plans approved by the General Directorate of Forestry by village legal entities or other real legal

entities in the areas that belong to the state and suitable for forest site conditions. During afforestation

activities olive, pistachio, cedar, red pine and carob species. Economically important species have

been paid special attention in afforestations established by village legal entities. Mostly pistachio,

stone pine, walnut species have been demanded by villagers. Seedlings of these species have been

grown in nurseries belonging to forestry department.

This is a new implementation and there is no establishment at the age of 49 years yet. However,

arrangements to protect the individual rights have been determined by the laws. In the Article 17 of the

Law.no.6831. Hiring duration of the lands which were hired for 49 years and one building was

constructed on can be extended up to 99 years by the value of the establishment on the land. In order

to prevent the illegal use of the afforestation areas, in the article 57 of the law no.3302 and dated

5.6.1986, it was dictated that “Permission rights of the persons who don’t protect and maintain the

afforested land as forest are canceled”.

In Mersin to date 1820 ha area hasbeen planted by village legal intities. 171.5 ha plantation area is

located in Olukkoyagi village. (Table 3.9.). Plantation area was enclosed by a wire fence. Pistachio

and olive species have been used in this plantation.

Table 3.9. Private afforestation in Mersin

Ownership (ha) Village legal entity 1820 Cedar cooperative 20 Municipality 71,1 Individuals 428,4 Total 2340

Reference: Records of Mersin Regional Directorate of Forest

National parks and wildlife management

There is a wild-goat protected area in Kusçular- Eminlik villages, protected area for trout in

Olukkoyagi village. Protection of these areas has been conducted by village legal entities. By the

protection of forest by villagers illegal hunting has decreased by % 40. In the region there are also

other areas available for hunting. There is also great potential for eco-tourism but this idea has not

been put into action yet. Forest villagers in the region have contributed to conservation of nature. This

28

is a result of providing some income generating activities for them. Some part of hunting incomes has

been transferred to village legal entity. In addition, villagers have earned from accommodation,

transportation and guide services.

Supporting activities for the forest villagers

Controlled grazing and expanding new agricultural techniques in the region have vital importance for

conservation of forests. In this respect General Directorate of Forest-Village Relations ORKOY

activities have play important role in supporting these activities in the villages. ORKÖY is the only

Directorate providing credits for individuals. Individuals have to be member of cooperatives or may

come together in order to make use of credits. Therefore ORKOY credits will enable to conduct

sample applications in the villages where there have been conflicts between individuals. Credits have

been provided according to poverty criteria. In these villages credits are used for cattle and sheep dairy

farming, cattle and sheep breeding and apiculture.

Recreation activities

Region is suitable for recreational activities. Some visitors from Mersin, Adana and Tarsus have

visited to Ardiçli, and Inköy for having picnic, tracking and mountainous sports.

There are some natural resources such as Ziyaret Cave, Pozanti Creek and Kadincik river. Kir Cistern,

Kilise Yikigi, Asar Castle ve Kalecik Castle are among the ruins of the region.

3.3.1.5. Important non-wood Forest Products

Collecting permissions of non-wood forest products in the state forests are given to the villagers with

the symbolic tariff prices. Villagers wait for product until it becomes mature and do the harvesting in

appropriate period. More attention has been given to the harvesting season.

As a non-wood forest product, laurel, thyme, mushroom, and snail have been produced in the region.

Non-wood forest products collected by villagers have been sold in villages to dealer coming from

Adana, Mersin and Tarsus. There are also laurel production areas. In addition thyme production has

been promoted by forestry department. Collected products have been sold in the villages to dealer

coming from Adana, Mersin and Tarsus.

There are many Laurel protection areas in Emirler village. However most villagers are against it. They

think that forestry department has enclosed larger area than they need to. Villagers graze their animals

in afforestation area planted on behalf of village legal entity. To prevent grazing they need to be

supported with income generating activities.

29

3.3.1.6. Factors which threats the natural structure and forests in the region

Illegal Grazing and Combat Erosion

Erosion is mainly major problem in the Region (Figure 3.10.). Moreover, there are some problems

caused by illegal grazing of goats. Erosion has negative impacts on the land productivity. Directorate

of Afforestation sub-division has been conducted afforestation activities. Topography is an important

factor that causes erosion. In region mountains can go up to 2000 m height. Precipitation is mostly

seen as snow. The heavy rain leads to surface flow. Green vegetation has to be maintained.

Figure 3.10. The bridge has been closed result of the erosion and aforestation areas for combating with erosion

While in winter villagers use the lands of 0-300 m altitude for grazing their goats, in summer they use

lands of 1000 m altitude. Afforestation above 1000 m height have failed to be effective, therefore

these areas illegally are used for grazing (Figure 3.11.). However in plantation areas protection

measures have been established and goat grazing has been controlled. That contributes to control

erosion. There are not many housings in the regions. Because a bridge that was constructed 22 years

ago is damaged, people’s contribution to construction activities have increased.

Figure 3.11. Grazing activities in forest area (Emirler village)

Environmental Problems

There is no regular place for garbage disposal. There is still stubble burning in the region. Pesticide

use is also another problem. Resources of drinking water are under threat.

Regular garbage storage is will be established to solve this problem. Public awareness campaign has

been conducted in partnership of muhtar, imam and teachers in Tarsus and has good results.

30

Problems in Range Rehabilitation

Due to the high elevation and bad weather condition rehabilitation activities have failed to succeed.

Because of extreme snow, fences have to be renewed every year. That cause increased costs. Animal

breeders have been cause of concern. When grazing is prohibited on large areas the prohibition causes

more damage and degradation. Grazing by rotation has been applied in some areas, informing local

people on accessibility of the areas. After a year villagers are allowed to graze.

3.3.1.7. Contribution to regional Economy of Forest resources

Forests in the region are regarded as a fuel wood source and an area for grazing. In particular, in

Kusçular and Eminlik villages, fuel wood use for cooking is first priority. All villagers use fuel wood

from forest for heating. Some people use coal for heating in Inköy. Forest roads provide opportunity

for villagers who have farm near forest to access their farms. Collecting non-wood forest products and

bee-keeping activities are subsidiary activities (Table 3.10.).

Table 3.10. Relations of villagers with forest resources

Villages Fuel wood Farm near forest

Grazing NWFP Bee-keeping Forest Works

Employee in forest

Department Olukkoyagi 2 3 1 - 5 Available 4

Inköy 1 2 1 5 4 Limited 3 Ardiçli 2 3 1 6 5 Available 4 Kesli 2 3 1 - 5 Available 4

Eminlik 2 3 1 - - Available - Emirler 3 1 2 5 4 Available -

Kusçular 2 4 1 - 4 Available -

Reference: Questionnaire studies

While people from Emirler, Kusçular, Eminlik, Kesli, Ardiçli and Olukkoyagi villages, have been

working at harvesting activities, people from Eminlik, Kesli, Ardiçli, Inköy and Olukkoyagi have been

working at planting activities. People from Ardiçli, Inköy and Olukkoyagi collect seeds, people from

Eminlik, Ardiçli and Inköy are involded in insect combating activities, people from Kusçular,

Eminlik, Kesli, Ardiçli and Olukkoyagi are dealing with fire fighting. Only people from Inköy are

working at forest road constructions.

Forest works are given to village legal entities. The controls of the forest department have been taken

easy greatly towards carrying out the implementations by the village legal entities. In addition, village

legal entity has been solving the problems among the individuals. Village legal entities are the

effective mechanisms in the villages and are governed very well in the Turkish village system.

Villages are the local authorities that have public legal entities. Foundation of this structure goes back

to the first years of the Republic. Villages have been established by the “village Law” no.442 and

dated 18.3.1924. By this law, it was mentioned that “Village is a self is more than 150 and less than

31

2000. It has the duties to execute the services and activities in order to meet the local and common

needs of the inhabitants due to being a local administration. In the lights of demands of the villagers, it

carried out the services and activities towards ensuring the economic and social development and

improvements.

Villagers invest their money earned from forest Works in livestock raising, cars and tracktors. Forestry

activities are of vital importance to people who have no income sources other than forest works. In

addition, people from Olukkoyagi, Inköy, Ardiçli and Kesli have been working for forestry department

(Table 3.10.).

3.3.1.8. Relations between villagers and forestry departments

According to questionnaire results, villagers in Kusçular, Ardiçli, Inköy and Olukkoyagi villages state

that forest resources have increased, on the contrary, people from Emirler and Eminlik think that forest

resources have decreased as a result of overuse. In addition, it is stated that there has not been

significant change in forest resources in Kesli.

All villagers state that projects executed and activities have made good impacts on forests. Once

forest villagers committed illegal cutting and set fire, nowadays these people have recognized the

importance of forests together with other stakeholders.

The most benefit obtained from afforestation activities is preventing flood. After enclosing areas with

fences, soils have been protected and since 1999, no floods have been seen.

People’s awareness have resulted in solving grazing problems. In 2003, 151 illegal cutting, 146 illegal

grazing, 261 encroachment have been recorded. In the same year, 54 forest fire broke out and 112 ha

area was burnt. In the survey region crime ratios have been decreased. For the last decade, 4 people

from Emirler, 2 people from Ardiçli and 10 people from Inköy, total 16 crime records have been noted

for illegal cutting. Also, 10 people from each villages, Emirler and Inköy, 3 people from Ardiçli and 2

people from Olukkoyagi, total 25 people have committed illegal grazing.

Forestry department states that there are no serious problems between forestry department and the

villagers, Kusçular, Eminlik, Kesli, Ardiçli and Olukkkoyagi. On the other hand, it is stated that

relations between forest department and Emirler and Inköy villages are getting worse due to ban on

grazing and department’s fail to employ villagers in Inköy, respectively.

3.3.2. Vegetative production and economical importance for region

Farming is mostly seen in Olukkoyagi, Inköy and Ardiçli villages (Table 3.11. and Figure 3.12.).

32

Table 3.11. Distribution of Agricultural activities in the villages

Number of Households Agricultural activities of households Place Total No

farming farming with

land without

land Crop production

and livestock Crop

production Livestock

Olukkoyagi 350 86 264 262 2 181 81 2 Inköy 190 79 111 88 23 65 23 23 Ardiçli 220 100 120 120 - 89 31 - Kesli 70 10 60 51 1+7* 57 2 1 Eminlik 55 10 45 41 4 36 5 4 Emirler 80 32 48 47 1* 40 7 1 Kusçular 70 36 34 30 4 17 13 4 Total 965 353 682 639 42 485 162 35 Tarsus 19220 7178 12042 11650 969 5592 5970 473 *In Kesli 7 households have farmed in the land that they hired. Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

38%

16%18%

9%

7%7% 5%

Olukkoyagi Inköy Ardiçli Kesli Eminlik Emirler Kusçular

Figure 3.12. Distribution of Farming Families in the villages

Vegetal and livestock production have been made together in households (Figure 3.13.). Farming has

been performed with traditional methods and based on householder members. Farmers meet their

needs by selling their yields. Fruit and vegetable yields are very limited. Therefore, they only meet

their own needs from the fruit and vegetable growing.

Figure 3.13. Distribution of agricultural activities in the villages

In Turkey average size of an arable land of a household is 2,7 ha. (Records of Chamber of Forest

Engineers, 1988). In region there not many people who have large arable lands. In general, %42 of

0%20%

40%

60%80%

100%

Olu

kkoy

agi

Inkö

y

Ard

içli

Kes

li

Em

inlik

Em

irle

r

Kus

çula

r

Plant+livestock Plant Livestock

33

total arable land has the size of 21-50 da.(Figure 3.14.). Only in Ardiçli a household has an arable

land of 200 da. (Table 3.12.)

4% 7%13%

42%

29%

5%

0-5 da 6 -10da 11-20 da 21 -50 da 51-100 da 101-200 da

Figure 3.14. Distribution of arable land by size (da)

Table 3.12. Distribution of land size by number of households.

Land size (da) Village 0-5 6-10 11-20 21-50 51-100 101-

200 201-500

Total number of households

Olukkoyagi 13 15 33 133 67 1 - 262 Inköy 7 10 13 28 27 3 - 88 Ardiçli - 18 15 56 24 6 1 120 Kesli - 1 - 22 100 27 - 51 Eminlik 2 1 7 17 14 - - 41 Emirler - - 2 2 25 18 - 47 Kusçular 1 - 11 12 6 - - 30 Total number of households

23 45 81 270 263 55 1 639

Tarsus 658 1237 2108 4205 1936 735 276

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

In region, rain fed agriculture has been performed mostly. In Ardiçli 388 da and in Olukkoyagi 100 da

have been irrigated. There is no irrigated agriculture in other villages. Irrigated lands have been

allocated for vegetable production in 125 da, and fruit production in 401 da. About % 40 of arable

lands have been fallowed annually (Table 3.13.).

3.3.2.1. Crop production

Olukkoyagi has the largest agricultural land and as a result the most crop has been produced in that

village. Eminlik and Kusçular have the smallest agricultural lands. In these villages, people grow

crops for their own subsistence (Table 3.14.). In the region wheat accounts for % 67 and barley

accounts for % 28 in rain fed agricultural lands.

34

Table 3.13. Agricultural Land use in the region Vegetable gardens Fruit gardens Place Field

land Fallow land*

Irrigation Non-irrigation

Total Irrigation Non-irrigation

Total

Agricultural land

Marginal land

Olukkoyagi 8265 2056 25 - 25 75 23 98 10444 4679 Inköy 3126 401 - - - 38 7 45 3572 3916

Ardiçli 5973 - 100 - 100 288 - 288 6361 4533 Kesli 3083 2724 - - - - 5 5 5812 3250

Eminlik 951 1549 - - - - - - 2500 1490 Emirler 3004 2117 - - - - 3 3 5124 986

Kusçular 775 677 - - - - - - 1452 1951 Total 25177 9524 125 - 125 401 38 439 35265 20805

Tarsus 761080 22817 58632 7908 66540 59843 67093 126936 977373 279566 *Fallow land: One year are sowed, one year are fallowed for reserving underground water.

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

Table 3.14. Field crops (da)

Crop Olukkoyagi Inköy Ardiçli Kesli Emirler Eminlik Kusçular Total Tarsus Wheat 6500 1720 3500 1750 2253 571 620 16914 421680 Barley 1000 1406 2200 1333 751 285 155 7130 37489 Sesame 765 - 207 - - - - 972 1692 Chickpea - - 66 - - 95 - 161 1723 Total 8265 3126 5973 3083 3004 951 775 25177 462584

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

3.3.2.2. Horticultural plants

Vegetables and fruits have been grown in a limited number of irrigable lands. Peach and apple have

been grown in fenced gardens. Plum and walnut grows in agricultural land scattered (Table 3.15.).

Recently cherry plantations have been established and fenced. Lack of water is an important problem

that hinders development of fruit growing.

Vegetable growing is not widespread in the region. People grow them in their garden for their own

use. Olukkoyagi is producer of tomato in a land of 25 da and Ardiçli in a land of 100 da respectively.

Table 3.15. Distribution of fruit plantation areas (da)

Fruit Olukkoyagi Inköy Ardiçli Kesli Eminlik Emirler Kusçular total Tarsus Grape 51 7 - 169 - - 227 63667 Apple 37 10 90 - 84 - - 221 459 Peach 6 3 66 - 116 - - 191 2048

Persimmon 4 20 - - 74 - - 24 296 Walnut - - - 2 93 3 - 79 29 Plum - - - - - - - 304 Pear - - - - 153 - - 153 267

Cherry - 2 132 3 89 - - 226 712 Fig - 3 - - 91 - - 94 14

Mulberry - - - - 51 - - 51 - Pomegranate - - - - 90 - 90 293

Total 98 45 288 5 1010 3 - - 68089

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

35

3.3.2.3. Agricultural equipment and machinery in the region

In the region there is not enough number of apparatus. There are 84 tractors which are the indicator of

economic status of the villagers and are being used for traveling. 178 households have saw chains.

(Table 3.16.).

Table 3.16. Agricultural Equipments and Machinery in the region

Type of equipment

Olukkoyagi Inköy Ardiçli Kesli Emirler Eminlik Kusçular Total Tarsus

Wooden plow 5 1 - - 50 - - 56 748 Tractor plough 22 22 7 8 14 5 5 83 4943 Cultivator 5 8 4 8 14 5 1 45 4714 Thresher 15 8 - 5 8 - - 36 208 Feed grinder 3 - - - - - - 3 30 Barrow duster and combine sprayer

30 10 15 - 2 - 3 60 4366

Duster - - 2 - - - - 2 315 Engine driven pomp

10 5 - - - - - 15 388

Cream separator 70 - 20 20 30 5 4 149 1142 Trailer 22 15 7 8 14 6 3 75 6093 Tractor 22 22 7 8 14 6 5 84 6329 Water tank - 10 2 - 18 3 - 33 1737 Milking plant machine

- - - - 1 - - 1 255

Fertilizer broadcaster

- - 1 - - - - 1 11

Chainsaw 70 30 30 15 2 11 20 178 *

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture and Questionnaire studies

3.3.2.4. Main problems faced with in vegetative production

Confronted problems in vegetative production can be divided into two groups. One is land type and

second is bottlenecks in input use. Fragmented lands is the most important problem that affects

production. In region while Inköy, Ardiçli, Kesli, Eminlik, Kusçular and Olukkoyagi households have

generally 3 fragment lands in Emirler there are many households who have 4-6 fragment lands. The

other important problems in land using are small scale farming and unproductive agricultural lands.

Agricultural lands are generally sloping and stony in the region.

Lack of irrigation water is the most important problem for all villages in the region. High fuel costs,

high fertilizer costs, high seed costs, high insecticides costs and high rental rate of equipment is the

other problems in input using.

3.3.3. Livestock and animal products in the region

This is main income source of villagers in the region. Villager also breed cattle, sheep, goat, poultry

and deal with beekeeping.

36

3.3.3.1. Cattle, sheep and goat breeding

Animal breeding has been performed by grazing and keeping animals in the barn. Grazing is common

in Emirler and Eminlik. Orkoy has recently supported the villagers to construct their barns for animal

breeding.

Cattle owners prefer to grow cross-bred type due to their adaptation to environment, high milk

productivity, and indifference to special care. Culture type only grows in Emirler village and farmers

have a milking machine (Table 3.17.).

In the region domestic sheep and goat has been breed. Number of goats is more than the number of

seeps. In Emirler and Eminlik villages goats and sheeps have been grown together. Goat raising is

easier than sheep raising and goat milk is more valuable than sheep’s and is a part of Mediterranean

rural culture. In Kusçular goat has been raised in the barn for villager’s own use. That prevents forest

degradation in the village.

Table 3.17. Animal breeding for milk production

Domestic cattle Cross-breed cattle Culture cattle Domestic sheep Goat Places Number

of animals

Milk prod.

(kg/year)

Number of

animals

Milk prod.

(kg/year)

Number of

animals

Milk prod. (kg/year)

Number of

animals

Milk prod.

(kg/year)

Number of

animals

Milk prod.

(kg/year) Olukkoyagi - - 271 3240 - - 1161 40 2870 50 Inköy 102 2000 50 3000 - - 273 40 2290 60 Ardiçli - - 182 3000 - - 1976 110 3047 110 Kesli 180 2700 81 3500 - - 1415 80 2835 120 Eminlik 15 1500 25 2500 - - 330 30 495 40 Emirler - - 110 3500 72 4000 - - 1995 80 Kusçular 13 1250 15 2700 - - 78 30 2480 50

310 7450 734 21440 72 4000 5233 330 16012 510 Total Total number of cattle: 1116 Total milk production: 32890 kg/year

Tarsus 2312 - 15345 - 2653 27360000 40658 - 73514 - Mersin 5275 - 52985 - 14395 - 225055 - 405225 -

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

There is only pasture land in Kusçular. There is no area to be opened for grazing in Inköy, Ardiçli and

Emirler. Main feeding source of animals in culture type raising is industrial fodder in Inköy,

Olukkoyagi, Ardiçli and Kusçular. In Kesli, Eminlik and Emirler grazing is main feeding source of

animals (Table 3.18.).

In Ardiçli, Kesli, Eminlik and Emirler, fodder has been grown in rain fed conditions. The most variety

in fodder production is located in Ardiçli (wheat, cow vetches and clover). In the villages other than

Kesli and Eminlik animals have been regularly under the veterinarian control. In Kesli and Eminlik

veterinarian has been applied, in case of emergency (Table 3.18.).

37

Table 3.18. In the region feeding and care condition of the animals and fodder production (questionnaire)

Type of feeding* Fodder crops production Village Industrial

fodder Grazing in the forest

Grazing in the fallowed

land

Grazing in pasture

land

Number of raiser

Fodder Veterinary control

Olukkoyagi 1 2 3 - - - Available Inköy 1 - 2 3 - - Available

Ardiçli 1 - 2 3 3 Clover, barley, cow vetches

Available

Kesli 3 1 2 - 80 Barley Non-Available

Eminlik 3 1 2 - 50 Barley Non-Available

Emirler 2 1 3 - 70 Barley, cow vetches

Available

Kusçular 1 2 4 3 - - Available * (1) the most important type of feeding Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

3.3.3.2. Poultry (Broiler)

There is poultry production in Ardiçli, Inköy and Olukkoyagi villages. Inköy has the largest number of

producers (Table 3.19.).

First initiative for poultry production has began in Inköy. People living in three villages invest in the

poultry by selling their goats. Poultry production has provided villagers with additional income.

Table 3.19. Poultry production in the villages.

Village Households dealing with poultry farming

Number of poultry Chicken meat production (kg/year)

Olukkoyagi 14 280000 420000 Inköy 32 896000 1433000

Ardiçli 4 80000 136000 Total 50 1256000 1989000

Tarsus 509 12406500 19498565

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

Poultry farming has been performed with the support of some firms suc as Saray, Civkur, Akyem, CP

and others.

During the local survey, interviews have been made with CP, Saray and companies. CP is Tailand

origin company. This company runs not only in Turkey but also in other countries. Saray mostly

deliver products to east and South-east part of Turkey, while Akyem runs at the local level.

Develoment of Poultry Farming

First poultry coops in Tarsus were established in the 1980’s. At that time government subsidies for

coops construction and input lead to increase investment. At the earlier period of the production

people produced their products on their own and they also marketed them properly.

38

Later on with the end of subsidies by government villagers had to work with firms that have modern

slaughterhouses. Since 1998 firms have supported individuals to make their investments.

In the region poultry farming activities coincide with these initiatives. Firms has given a number of

chickens and feeds to villagers who have coop under the contract. All costs of vaccine, disinfection,

heating and lighting have been covered by villagers. To guarantee product quality, poultry coops have

been inspected. Ventilation of coops in forest villages have been performed at a low cost. Main factors

affecting costs are quality of chickens, quality of feeds and sanitary conditions.

3.3.3.3. Beekeeping activities

There is beekeeping activities in all villages other than Kesli and Eminlik. While the most production

has been performed in Olukkoyagi, the least production is seen in Kusçular (Table 3.20.). Two bee-

keepers from Olukkoyagi have performed mobile bee-keeping with their 180 beehives. In region total

4 ton honey has been produced. Honey produced in the region is very valuable.

Table 3.20. Beekeeping in the region

Village Number of household

Hives Production(kg/year) Supporter Institution

Olukkoyagi 50 202 1900 Agricultural Directorate Inköy 6 100 1000 ORKÖY Ardiçli 10 100 1000 Agricultural Directorate Emirler 5 - - Agricultural Development

Foundation Kusçular 3 30 250 Agricultural Directorate Total 74 432 4150 -

Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Agriculture

Bee-keeping activities have been initiated by Agricultural Directorate, Agricultural Development

Foundation and ORKÖY (Table 3.20.). In addition, under the Eastern Anatolia Watershed

Rehabilitation Project credits have been given to householders in Olukkoyagi, Ardiçli and Inköy.

3.3.3.4. Main problems in livestock production

The most important problem of livestock production in the region is high costs of fodder. Insufficient

pasturelands, sale of products at low price, difficulty in providing credit and high cost of veterinary

services are other problems. (Table 3.21.).

3.3.3.5. Nomadic animal raising

In the region 20 households from Inköy, 10 households from Olukkoyagi and 7 households from

Ardiçli have dealt with nomadic animal raising. 3000 goats from Inköy, 2500 from Olukkoyagi and

2000 from Ardiçli, total 7500 goats have been grazing in summer. Villager go up high plateaus in June

39

and come down in September. People performing nomadic animal raising follow different tracks and

on the way to high plateau they graze their animals. In addition to animal raising they deal with bee-

keeping activities. Nomadic animal raising is an indicator of people’s culture. However goats may be

detrimental for forested areas.

Table 3.21. Problems in livestock production and scores

Village High fodder

cost

Insufficient pastureland

Meat at a low price

Milk at a low price

Chicken at a low price

Veterinary cost

Olukkoyagi 1 2 - 3 4 5 Inköy 1 - 2 - 3 - Ardiçli 1 - 3 2 4 - Kesli 3 1 2 - - - Eminlik 3 1 2 4 - - Emirler 1 2 4 3 - - Kusçular 3 2 1 - - 4 (1): the most important problem (-) there is not any opinion

Reference: Questionnaire studies

3.3.4. Credit possibilities in the region

In the region villager prefer to take credits from Agricultural Credit Cooperative, Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Affair (MARA) and ORKÖY. To prevent forest from goat grazing goat raising

has to be decreased and new agricultural techniques have been adopted. ORKOY activities are of vital

importance to realize these activities. To date planned and implemented and realized activities by

ORKOY in the villages have been shown in Table 3.22.

In the region, credits have been used for dairy cattle breeding and fattening cattle breeding and

beekeeping. Despite ORKÖY plans cover credits for poultry production, these credits have not been

used so far in Olukkoyagi, Inköy and Ardiçli. People prefer to use their own capital to attain poultry

production. People in Emirler and Eminlik villages are reluctant to use credit for poultry production.

ORKOY has also given credits to villagers for chainsaw. Lack of irrigation system in the villages

prevent implementing credits for vegetal production, as well. Credits for fruit raising have not been

implemented (Table 3.22.).

In addition to ORKÖY credits, MARA also provide some credits for the villagers. Credit user have

mentioned some problems with the credits such as high interest rate, guarantor finding, lack of credit

provision duly and insufficient amount of credit, mortgage and short term due.

40

Table 3.22. ORKÖY credits in the region

Type of credit Places Status Dairy cow

breeding

Dairy sheep

breeding

Poultry for egg

production

Beekeeping Fruit growing

Weaving carpets

Chainsaw

Plan 30 30 30 30 - 30 5 Olukkoyagi Implementation 4 7 - 16 - - - Plan 5 5 5 16 - 10 5 Inköy Implementation - 5 - 5 - - 3 Plan 15 15 18 15 37 20 5 Ardiçli Implementation - 6 - 3 - - 5 Plan 15 10 13 - - 15 - Kesli Implementation - 3 - - - - - Plan 10 12 - 10 - 10 - Eminlik Implementation - 3 - - - - - Plan 10 5 6 9 20 - - Emirler Implementation - - - - - - - Plan - 3 3 8 - - - Kusçular Implementation - 2 - - - - - Plan 85 Toplam Implementation 4

Note: The amount of the credit is enough for one family and they can pay it back easily. The person who takes credit has to be pour (according to selection criteria) Reference: Records of ORKÖY

3.3.5. Marketing of agricultural products

Producers have to sell their products under their production cost. Only peach produced in Ardiçli have

been sold and there has not been any marketing activity in other villages. In the region all animal

products have been marketed. Produced milk has been sold at local dealers in Emirler, Eminlik, Inköy

and Ardiçli. There is no milk sales in other villages. Dairy products such as butter and cheese have

been sold to local dealers in Emirler, Kesli, Ardiçli, Olukkoyagi, and Inköy and there is no dairy

products sales in the other villages. Wool has been sold in all villages. Manure has been sold to local

dealers in all villages.

3.4. Social Structure in the Region

3.4.1. Social relations in the settlements

Muhtar is the most influential person in all the villages of the research area. Members in the villages

are in charge when the muhtar is absent. The other groups those are efficient in the settlement regions

of the research area are; seniors, teachers, imam and directors of forest district. It has been stated that

seniors have no influence within the village duties in Kesli, Inköy ve Olukkoyagi villages. This is a

different situation concerning the case that seniors have great influence in Turkish social structure. It

has been declared that Ardiçli is the only village that the director of forest district has an influence

41

(which is a very little influence ) in village works, however all the villages that have been experienced

are forest villages (Table 3.23.).

Table 3.23. Influential People and level of their influence

Village Muhtar Members Seniors Teachers Imam Forest chief Olukkoyagi 1 2 - 3 - - Inköy 1 2 - 3 4 - Ardiçli 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kesli 1 2 - - 3 - Eminlik 1 2 3 - 4 - Emirler 1 2 3 4 5 - Kusçular 1 2 3 - 4 - (- ) indicates that group has no influence.

Reference: Questionnaire studies

3.4.2. Social problems in the villages of the research area

There is no problem with the issues like sharing land and water, irrigation, between the people of the

village in the settlement region of the research area. Furthermore, there is a territorial dispute between

Emirler village and Kuzulok, Bucak, Bolacali villages. The same problem exists between Inkoy

village and Olukkoyagi villages as well.

It has been stated that there are 3 types of crime that has been committed during the last decade in the

research area. These are; forest crime, land conflicts and trade conflicts. The forest crime is the first of

these crimes in the villages, Emirler, Kesli, Ardicli, Inkoy and Olukkoyagi.

3.4.3. The ability to organize of the people in the region and the cooperative structure

The ability to organize is one of the important signs of the social structure. Villages in the region know

the cooperative system and its benefits. But there is no sufficient cooperative structure because people

are not organized very well.

There is Agricultural Development Cooperative in Kuscular, Ardiçli and Olukkoyagi villages. In Kesli

and Inkoy; the cooperatives have been closed because of personal conflicts. Activities have been

carried out to activate the cooperatives in both of the villages. In Emirler ve Eminlik, there has been no

activity related with the cooperatives so far.

Ardiçli Village Cooperative has been established in 1970, Olukkoyagi Village Cooperative has been

established in 1972 and Kusçular Village Cooperative has been established in 1994. Ardiçli Village

Cooperative has 200 members, Olukkoyagi Village Cooperative has 190 members and Kusçular

Village Cooperative has 101 members. These cooperatives are founded in the aim of getting to work

with forest department and supporting the village development.

42

Therefore, these cooperatives are settled on the village basis, so that they are small-scaled enterprises.

Cooperatives are only dealing with harvesting. Kusçular makes debit while others make neither profit

nor debit.

3.5. Demographic Structure

Population in Mersin is 1.650.000. %20 of population is living in forest villages. In general population

of forest villages have fallen. In winter people who are in good economic condition come down to city

for their children’s education, in summer go up to village. In the region total population is 3063.

Number of households is 1035 (Table 3.24.).

Table 3.24. Demographic structure in the region

Village Household Population Average number of persons

Olukkoyagi 350 800 2.3 Inköy 190 713 3.8 Ardiçli 220 600 2.8 Kesli 70 350 5.0 Eminlik 55 120 1.6 Emirler 80 300 3.8 Kusçular 70 180 2.6 Total 1035 3063 3,1

Reference: Records of State Institute of Statistics Prime Ministry (2004)

The most populated village is Olukkoyagi (Table 3.24.). In Eminlik householders live in the village all

the time. The region doesn’t have overpopulation. In general there is not much migration to cities. In

the region for the last decade, 3 households from Emirler, 6 people from Kesli have migrated. Most of

people who migrate live in Tarsus and Adana. Main reason for emigration is unemployment, lack of

arable lands, consequently poverty. Most people migrating to city work as a worker at private

companies. On the other hand, there is also households who return to village. Most of people that

returned are from Kusçular. 60 households returned to village.

3.6. Public Services in the Region

3.6.1. Education system

In the literacy rate is %95. In the region there is primary school only in Ardiçli and Inköy and

secondary school in Olukkoyagi. Students living in Ardiçli and Inköy go to secondary school in

Olukkayagi. There is also schools in other villages, but all schools are closed due to few students.

Students living these villages go to Çokak to study (Table 3.25). That causes problem in winter due to

the long distance from villages People in all villages have requested new investments for the schools.

Villagers want some courses for their improvement (Table 3.26).

Table 3.25. Education condition in the region

43

Primary Mobile Graduated* Village Number

of students

School Type

Number of

classroom

Venue distance High school

University

Olukkoyagi 99 primary+secondary 10 - - 20 10 Inköy 30 Primary 4 Olukkoyagi 7 km 19 10 Ardiçli 47 Primary 2 Olukkoyagi 10 km 20 20 Kesli 34 Primary (closed) 1 Çokak 25 km 5 - Eminlik 29 Primary (closed) 1 Çokak 15 km 4 2 Emirler 20 Primary (closed) 1 Çokak 17 km 5 - Kusçular 27 Primary (closed) 1 Çokak 22 km 20 3 Total 286 - - Çokak - 93 45 *Everyone under 70 is graduated from primary school. Reference: Records of Tarsus District Directorate of Education

Table 3.26. Courses requested by villagers

Villages Courses requested Courses offered Olukkoyagi Poultry production, computer Handicraft, beekeeping, Inköy Carpet business, handicraft, sewing and poultry

production Handicraft, beekeeping, read-write

Ardiçli Carpet business, handicraft, sewing Handicraft, beekeeping, read-write Kesli Beekeeping, carpet business, computer - Eminlik Animal raising, Handicraft Emirler Beekeeping, handicraft, animal raising, fodder

production Handicraft, beekeeping, read-write

Kusçular Handicraft, beekeeping Beekeeping, carpet business

Reference: Questionnaire studies

3.6.2. Transportation and Communication services

Roads in Ardiçli, Inköy and Olukkoyagi are paved and roads in other villages are paved or gravel.

Some roads need maintenance. Main transportation vehicle is minibus. There is also other vehicles in

the villages such as car, bus, motorcycle and truck (Table 3.27.).

Table 3.27. Transportation and communication

Village Minibus Private car Bus Motorcycle Truck Telephone-television Olukkoyagi - 6 2 6 15 200 Inköy 2 5 - 10 20 200 Ardiçli 2 2 - 2 20 200 Kesli - - 1 - 3 60 Eminlik 2 - 0 - 3 40 Emirler 2 1 0 1 - 60 Kusçular - 3 1 1 4 75 Total 8 17 4 20 65 835 Reference: Questionnaire studies

3.6.3. Electricity, sewerage system and water waste treatment

In the region there is electricity in all villages. Mill and sawmill have benefited from the electricity.

With the exception of Kesli, there is no problem with drinking water. There is plenty of spring water

44

in the surrounding area. There is no sewerage system in the villages. Waste water has been discharged

to well. Solid waste has been burnt in large area.

There is no serious problem with communication but the systems are needed some improvement in the

region. Most households have TV and telephone. TV features in people’s daily life.

3.6.4. Health services

There is health center in Kesli and Inköy, but they both are closed and out of service.

In Emirler, Eminlik and Inköy diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery and malaria are common diseases. On the

other hand, there is no serious disease in Kusçular, Kesli, Ardiçli and Olukkoyagi.

Family planning and mother and child care are important health issues to be taken into consideration

in the villages as well

3.6.5. Other services

In the region there are 8 mosques. Each village has a cafe house. Other buildings are mill, forge,

grocery, village room, village fountain, oven and sawmill (Table 3.28.). However, there are no

libraries, newsstands, cafe house (for women) and laundries.

Table 3.28. Other services

Village Mosque Café Mill Forge Grocery Village room

Village fountain

Oven Sawmill

Olukkoyagi 2 2 1 1 2 1 15 1 4 Inköy 1 3 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 Ardiçli 1 2 - - 1 1 6 - - Kesli 1 2 1 - 2 1 1 - - Eminlik 1 1 - - - 1 - - - Emirler 1 2 - - 1 1 - - - Kusçular 1 1 - - - 1 - - - Total 8 13 3 1 8 6 23 1 6

Reference: Questionnaire studies

3.7. Results of Workshop and building the scenarios

Two different scenarios have been formulated. First scenario is to sustain existing situation for 20

years (Annex 3). Villagers state that it will be difficult to use the resources without making any

improvements on existing system.

According to first scenario the following results have been accepted:

?? Rapid immigration. Infrastructure and security problems will increase

?? Unless human exist, there will not any maintenance on the forests and forests will decrease

?? Unless villagers exist, dependency for food will increase

45

?? Resources allocation will be a problem

?? People not settling in the city centre, will be back to villages

?? Economic situation will be worse

?? If the humans don’t exist, nature will restore itself.

Second scenario, under the condition of needed financial support has been provided, what will the

situation for 20 Years (Annex 4).

According to second scenario the following results have been accepted:

?? Main income resources will be promoted such as animal husbandry, poultry production and bee keeping

?? Irrigation systems have been established

?? Training and awareness-raising activities have been promoted. Qualified personal have been provided. Awareness on environment has been built

?? Forest-based industries will develop.

?? Income level and purchasing power of people will increase; Infrastructure will be developed and eco-tourism will be improved

?? Variety of income sources will contribute to national economy. The environment will be improved and future of de next generation will be guaranteed.

Main actors in carrying activates under scenarios 2, discussed during the workshop. The roles of

related groups have been determined (Annex 5).

3.8. Results of Awareness Raising Trip

3.8.1. Development process in the villages

An awareness raising trip has been organized to Üçtepe and Küstülü villages (Figure 3.15.)

Figure 3.15. Awareness trip

Cattle breeding have not been carried out by villagers, due to the lack of arable land for fodder

production. Agricultural activities have gained importance as the income from goat breeding has been

in sufficient. Irrigated agriculture has been preferred.

46

Irrigation system has been established by the initiative of an agricultural engineer and with the

participation of 80 households. After foundation of the Irrigation Association, people sold their

animals and established irrigation system. They have spent their income for the development of

existing system for 5 years. Only 5 km of total irrigation pipeline of 45 km has been installed by

government.

Üçtepe Village seems to be self sufficient economically. Everyone in the village has arable land.

Closeness to central town has played important role in development of the village. After establishing

irrigation system, villagers have bought work machines by credit. After paying their dept they home

bought a new one. There are 10 work machines in the village and these are rented by neighbouring

villages.

Arable lands in the villages consist of maquis that is sloping and stony. With the support of machine

stones on the lands have been cleaned and terraces have been built. Soil has been bought and carried

from other places. Lemon trees have been planted. First five years tomato and cucumber have been

grown. When the lemon trees were 5 years old, lemon trees have been transferred to other areas. In

this way, agricultural lands have been expanded (Figure 3.16.).

Figure 3.16. Green houses and citrus areas in the Üçtepe village

The main reason for improvement in the village is collaboration between the villagers. As the living

conditions are getting better immigration from city to village has begun. Number of households

amounted to 300 from 170. People have spent their income for improving agricultural lands,

restoring houses, maintaining village roads and renewing electricity facilities. Everyone in the village

has a car. Everyone has social security and everyone has enable land. 15 families raise animals. There

is no unemployment in the village; some people come from other villages to work here.

Cadastral surveys have begun in 1982. Cleaning of maquis for agriculture caused some problems

dewing the cadastral survey. After that same initiatives have been started to give permission villagers

to continue their activities on existing agricultural lands on condition that new agricultural lands would

not open. Some concessions have been proposed to denote for villagers to use these lands for

47

agricultural production. Villagers wanted the forest lands that are proper to use for agriculture. This

forest lands consist of maquis and never been defined as high forests. After improving living

conditions of the villages, illegal activities such as forest fires, illegal cutting and encroachment have

been stopped. Villagers have given their taxes to government, during the agricultural activities.

Therefore government also has opportunity to get income from villagers.

Greenhouse activities have been decreased due to the inputs of high costs nowadays. Most people

wanted to grow olive and citrus trees. In case arable land, have increased, they have proposed to

provide water by drilling and build an irrigation pool by their own. There is no sewerage system in the

village. They want to construct it by their own. They export agricultural products to Europe. They

have tried to be trade mark. They have also proposed to establish packaging facility.

In addition to agricultural activities, there is also other income generating activities in the village. Wild

olive, blackberry, carob has been granted. Laurel leaves have been used for soap production. Little

wheat has been produced.

In other village fruits have been produced in open area. Vegetable has been grown. Very early

vegetables have been sold at good prices. However irrigation water supply has been expensive. Much

effort has been needed for replanting the seedlings. In this village, also, fruit production has been

replaced by vegetable production. They have difficulty in transporting their products.

Activities in this village also are characterized by collaboration between villagers. Activities were

begun in 1980. Digging a canal that has 1000 m length and 2 m depth took 9 months. All the villagers

have participated to activities. Irrigation system starts with electricity power. Products yielded on open

area are not necessarily profitable.

In recent years, electricity fees have not been paid. Therefore, they diverted themselves to fruit

growing. In addition, agricultural expert designated by Ministry of Agriculture have made contribution

to activities since 2004. This contribution will take 3 years. After that villagers will hire consultancy

services by themselves. In the village, cooperative has established twice, but it didn’t work. They

have proposed to activate cooperative to improve marketing conditions.

3.8.2. Impacts of Awareness Trips on the Villagers.

Villagers who have participated in understood that scenarios for the villagers would be realized. They

accepted that they had more water sources and arable lands in their villages (Figure 3.17.). They

stated that they would have great results provided that they worked harder. They picked some products

to show their neighbours in their villagers. They also stated that they were very satisfied with such an

awareness trip.

48

Figure 3.17. Soil structure in study areas (left) and in the awareness trip areas (right)

This trip has also good impacts on host villages. People living in the Üçtepe village are very happy in

order that their village has selected as a “sample village”. In addition they were pleased to see

representatives from government, NGOS and international organizations come together.

During the village trip, exchange of knowledge has been taken place. Every villager gives his word to

collaborate with each other. In addition, institutions stated that they would support the villagers.

Decisions made by workshop participants sent to Research and Development Department of the

Ministry of Environment and Forestry. These decisions have been sent to all related institutions and

local authorities for the actions to be taken.

49

4. CONSEQUENCES AND SUGGESTIONS

Economic contributions to survey area have made proper impact on the villager’s life. Poultry

Production is one of the important developments in Inköy watershed. Moreover, under the Eastern

Anatolia Watershed Rehabilitation Project beekeeping credits have been delivered by ORKÖY.

Agriculture Department provided same technical and informative courses for the beekeepers.

Construction of forest roads also led people to access their grazing areas easily.

People who have not any income sources other than forestry harvesting activities have focused on

forestry activities. Villagers have bought car, tractor and restored their houses by the money they made

during harvesting activities.

Variety of income sources is great advantage. Irrigation agriculture and beekeeping are playing

important role for villagers in providing their income. Forestry harvesting activities are also important

for the villagers.

5 irrigation facilities have been proposed to build by Department of Rural Service under the

microcathment protect. When the facilities complete, 1239da land will be irrigated. However, this

project has not been realized yet. That discourages growing of cherry and Trabzon date palm that has

already started.

Activities in the survey villages are of not only important to people living in the villages but also

important but also important to other settlement in the valley. The Bolkar’s are an important water

reservoir. Water has been used for irrigation the lands on the valley. Drinking water for people living

in Mersin also provides from these reservoirs. In addition, electricity production has been realized by

the water provided from these resources. Therefore, it is important to protection of these resources in

the catchments.

Moreover, important developments have been taken places on the protection of Mediterranean Forests.

The area that is a distance of 0-300 km from watershed has to be allocated for protected area. This

would not be difficult because, there are not many settlements on the area. However, ecological

balance will be possible in 20 years.

About The Future of the Region:

?? Erosion control is of vital importance. People must be awakened on erosion impacts and certain amount of funds has to be allocated per da.

?? Same arid areas are located in the region which has to be terraced and the soil on these areas has to be kept.

?? Grazing of goats is very serious problem in the region. 95% of the harm on the forests is caused by goats. Supports have to be given to the villagers to avoid goat grazing. Awareness rising is very important.

50

?? A share of income gained by electricity production has to be devoted to forest village budget. That is very important for the perpetuity of the natural resource use and formulated projects

?? A share of afforestation fund has to be devoted to rural development. Increase in villager’s income will lead to successful afforestation activities. This will also make contribution to solving the grazing problem.

?? %96 of forest fires occurred annually is man-caused. Transferring a small amount of funds allocated for forest fire fighting will have an important role to play in reducing number of fires. That will also lead to a decrease in forest fire fighting costs.

?? Measures have to be taken to transform snow fall into water. Whereas an irrigation protect has been formulated, it hasn’t been realized yet. Implementation of this protect is very important.

?? Scattered settlements have to be combined, so investment will be cost effective.

?? One of the main problems facing Mersin province is attractiveness of upper forest lands by the people. Fast housing has been has been observed. That causes a pressure on forest lands. Some legislative measures have to be taken to solve this problem.

?? Awareness raising trips are very useful for promoting investments in the forest villages’ Investments have to be demonstrated and forest villagers have to be informed.

?? In-service trainings have to be increased in order to inform forestry staff about rural development and partnership has to be built and dialogue has to be promoted between forestry staff and villagers.

?? To establish forest village associations and unions will strengthen solidarity between villagers. That will also enable them to advocate their main rights for increasing their living conditions.

51

5. BIBLIOGFAPHY

Anonymous 2002. Summary of Agricultural Statistics. State Institute of Statistics prime Ministry Republic of Turkey

Anonymous 2004. Records of Department of Cadastral and Possession, Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Anonymous 2004. Records of Tarsus Agricultural District Management Directorate

Anonymous 2004. Records of Tarsus Education District Management Directorate

Atalay, I., 2002. Ecological Region of Turkey, Public by Meta, ISBN 975-8273-41-8, Bornova, Izmir.

Anonymous 2002. Içel-Tarsus-Inköy Micro Catchments Pro-Report, general Directorate of Rural Affair.

Anonymous 2004. Records of Çamliyayla-Tarsus Meteorological Station

Anonymous 1988. Records of Chamber of Forest Engineers

Anonymous 2002. Içel-Tarsus-Inköy Micro Catchments Pro-Report, 2002 General Directorate of Rural Affair

Sülüsoglu, M., 2005. Plantations in Kozak Region, Turkey: A case study. FON Paper No.5. Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome.

52

Annex 1. General information about the villages

Name of the village

Altitude Distance from

district

Number of household

Population (person)

Incoming activities

Benefits from forest

Non-wood forest

products

Number of

Farmer (person)

Arable land (including

fallowing)(ha)

Cooperative Number of

tractor

School Health house

The efficient persons

Olukkoyagi 910 67 350 800 Poultry, crop production, Cattle and sheep breeding, bee-keeping, forest works, trading

Forest works, timber, firewood, grazing, hunting, recreation, field, bee-keeping

Snail, mushroom

264 10444 Agricultural Development Cooperative

22 Primary and secondary school

- Muhtar, teacher

Inköy 900 45 190 713 Poultry, Cattle and sheep breeding, bee-keeping, forest Works, trading, mining

Forest works ( limited), timber, non-wood forest products, firewood, grazing, hunting, recreation, field, bee-keeping

Snail 111 3572 Agricultural Development Cooperative (closed)

22 Primary school closed Muhtar, teacher, imam

Ardiçli 1050 55 220 600 Poultry, Cattle and sheep breeding, bee-keeping, forest Works, trading

Forest works, timber, firewood, non-wood forest products, grazing, hunting, recreation, field, bee-keeping

Snail, mushroom

120 6361 Agricultural Development Cooperative

7 Primary school

- Muhtar, old person, teacher, imam, chief of the forest

Kesli 1150 60 70 350 Sheep breeding, bee-keeping, forest works, trading

Forest works, timber, firewood, grazing, hunting, recreation, field, bee-keeping

Mushroom 60 5812 Agricultural Development Cooperative closed)

8 Primary school (closed) Transportation system

Closed

Kusçular 970 53 70 70 Sheep breeding, goat, crop production, trading, forest works

Forest works, timber, firewood, grazing, hunting, recreation, field, bee-keeping

Snail, mushroom, aromatic plants

34 1452 - 5 Primary school (closed) Transportation system

- Muhtar, imam

Eminlik 950 55 55 120 Sheep breeding, goat, trading

Forest works, timber, firewood, grazing, hunting, recreation, field

- 45 2500 - 14 Primary school (closed) Transportation system

- Muhtar, old person, imam

Emirler 850 60 80 300 Cattle and sheep breeding, goat, crop production, forest works, non-wood products

Forest works, timber, non-wood forest products, firewood, grazing, hunting, field, bee-keeping

Snail, thyme, laurel

48 5124 - 6 Primary school (closed) Transportation system

- Muhtar, old person, teacher, imam

Cadastral studies have been finished. The main forest species are cedar, red pine, go knar, some scrubs (especially laurel) The relationship between the villagers and forest staffs is good. The important problem: Lack of irrigation water, afforestation of pasture areas, disappearing of some animals and some plants; rubbish, erosion, destroying of forest by goat, grazing Private afforestation area: 171.5 ha (in Olukkoyagi village) Awareness level about the natural resources: Hig

53

Annex 2. Activities carried out with institutions

Institution Activities Visit to public agencies (Mersin and Tarsus Municipalities, Tarsus Governance)

General information was provided to local authorities and their opinions on the survey were received. These people committed themselves to supporting development activities in the villages and requested to be aware of activities and developments.

Regional Directorate of Forest in Mersin Environment-Forest Provincial Directorate Tarsus District Directorate of Forest

Information on forest resources and forestry activities has been gathered. Interviews have been made with Regional Forest Director in Mersin, Deputy Regional Forest Director and Division Directors. (7 participants). H form study has been conducted with Provincial Director of Environment-Forest, Division director and technical staff of 8 persons. District director, deputy director and sub-district director were met. In addition afforestation and wildlife managers were met. Because the staff has worked for long time at forestry department, they are all aware of the surroundings. Thus gathering information on developments in the region were easily gathered.

Mersin Province Directorate of Agriculture Tarsus Directorate of Agriculture

Information on agricultural activities in the region was gathered. A meeting was held with Agricultural Provincial Director. At the town level 4 experts participated in the activities.

Mersin Directorate of Rural Service Information was gathered on water irrigation facilities. Two experts were involved in this negotiation. Tarsus Directorate of National Education

Information was gathered on education situation and the structure of educational institutions. A meeting was held with Director of National Education in town.

Tarsus Mother-child Health Center Information was gathered on health institutions in the region, vaccine activities and mother-child health. A meeting was held with 3 experts.

Religious Affairs A meeting was held with Mufti of Tarsus and information was gathered on religious affairs in the region. Poultry Firms A meeting was held with CP, Saray ve Akyem firms. Information was gathered on development, implementation, challenges of

and recommendation for solutions of the poultry. A person attended each meeting. Other participants General information was gathered from former Regional Director of Forest in Mersin and retired teacher from Olukkoyagi

village, Ömer CIRIK. More, general information on forestry activities was given by division director of afforestation, Hüseyin ÖZBAKIR.

54

Annex 3. Scenario I. If existing conditions persist, what will the future of the village and forests in 20 years of perspective?

Increasing in erosion and environmental degradation

Increasing of immigration

1. Unplanned urbanization 2. Inefficient infrastructure 3. Security problems 4. Social problems

Revival of nature

Maintenance activities in forests couldn’t do, forest areas get lost

Desertification

Decline in water resources and qualities

Water will be scarce

Undermined ecological balance

Decline in animal species

Increase in illegal hunting

If hunting of pork’s banned pork population

If irrigation system is not available;

Economy will be disturbed Abandonme

nt of poultry

Pressure on the forests increase

Forest will be degraded

Disturb of natural balance

People returning to village invest in village, and village develops

Unless poultry production develops properly environmental disruption will be inevitable

Solid waste problems

Difficulty in resource allocation

Conflict between villagers and city-dweller

Dependency on outsider for food

Food will not be secured

Progress will be made even if slow

Rapid growth should be available at country level

Life conditions will get difficult

Population growth will be problem

Due to the lack of sanction problems will continue

Lack of training activities

Lack of solidarity in the villages

Unsuccessful activities

55

Annex 4. Scenario 2. If financial and technical contributions are made, which investments may be made and what will the future of the village and forests in 20 years of perspective? First, technical and financial support will be provided. Irrigation and electricity systems will be developed. At the end this, villagers will increase their income and finally they spend their income for different activities such as, breeding of livestock, bee-keeping, non-wood forest production, green housing etc.

Ekoturizm gelistirilir. (egitim, yeni tesisler,

Iç ve dis turizm gelisir.

Bilinçli avcilik gelisir

Köy bütçesine kaynak saglanir.

Devlet ve kurumlar gelir elde eder

Köyde çevre düzenlemesi yapilir. Herkes evini güzellestirir Ev pansiyonculugu gelisir. Köyde umumi tuvalet yapilir. Cami, köy odasi gibi sosyal yapilar gelistirilir.

Köyde birlik artar. Kooperatifçilik

Iletisim artar. Kültürel, kisisel ve sosyal gelisme

Elektrik kesintileri

Modern tarim ve hayvancilik baslar.(seracilik, sulu tarim, aricilik, vb. )

SONUÇLAR: Gelecegimiz garanti altina alinir. Insanlar mutlu yasar. Köyler dünyaya açilir. Yerel yayin kuruluslari gelisir. Yasanabilir bir dünya olusur. Ülke ekonomisi gelisir.

Production will be improved

Awareness will be raised

Energy sources improved

Electricity facilities improved.

Forest and water sources will be protected Infrastructure (road,

sewage system) improved

Ecotourism improved.

(Training, new facilities, advertisement)

Tourism improved

Legal hunting improved

Revenue for village budget

Revenue for government

Environmental plans formulated

Improved pensions in the village Lavatory built in the village Mosque, village house restored Employment possibilities for women (handcraft, operating pension)

Increased investments in the villages

Training courses

Solidarity improved.

The cooperative system improved

Cultural, personal and social improvement

Qualified personnel will rise. Purchasing power

increased

Living conditions in the villages improved people start to return to the villages.

Electric use properly

Modern live stock breeding starts (greenhouse, irrigated agriculture, bee-keeping, etc. )

Poultry production improved

Electricity can be used for heating to reduce fuel wood use

Forest-based industries will be developed

RESULTS: We can guarantee our future We can integrate with the world Local media can be improved. World can be livable Economic growth will be achieved.

Irrigation system improved

Increased productivity Water used economically Soil protected

Bio-gas energy may be used, that will be provided by sewage waste

Environmental quality will increase, health costs will be declined and diseases will be decreased

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Annex 5. The activities and responsibilities of institutions in scenario 2 Type of activities Responsible institutions Agricultural activities Breeding of animals Animal health Demonstration of new incoming activities Training Courses about agriculture Demonstrations about irrigation system in agriculture Improving the fodder crops production

District Directorate of Ministry of Agriculture

Agricultural credits General Directorate of Forest and Village relations (ORKÖY), Ziraat Bank, Agricultural Credit Cooperatives, Turkey Development Foundation

Rehabilitation of range lands General Directorate of Cadastral and Title Deed, District Directorate of Ministry of Agriculture, Village local entity, Forestry units (high places), Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion, for reforestation and Protection of natural Habitats (TEMA) ( the most effected NGO in the region)

Grafting of wild plants District Directorate of Ministry of Agriculture Improving the Marketing system District Directorate of Ministry of Agriculture + Village development Cooperatives (coordination) Cadastral studies Bounder of forest areas, determining the range lands

Treasury, Ministry of Forestry

Awareness and educational activities about Forest and natural resources and environmental issues

Environment and Forest Directorate +NGO’s +District Directorate of Ministry of Education +Religion Department

Protection of soil resources District Directorate of Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Rural and village service, World Bank (financial support)

Improving non-wood forest products (production, demonstration etc.)

Forestry Research Directorate

Protection of picnics areas in the forest Village Local Unit, Gendarme Protection of Wild Life and preventing illegal hunting activities

The General Directorates of Nature Protection and National Parks, Village Local Entities, Imam (religion person, especially for awareness activities), National TV canals ( in national level), media

Improving alternative heating systems (biogas, water tribunes etc.)

National and local channels

Improving the health services Ministry of Health Birth controlling activities, awareness of people Ministry of Health, müftülük, media Improving the road system Department of Rural and village service, General Directorate of Forestry (Forest roads)

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