Anthropogenic Impacts on Beysehir Lake National Park: Infrastructure Problems and Management Issues

Watershed of Beysehir Lake, with an overall surface area of 88 750 ha, was selected as the case study area, since it is under the pressure of potential pollutants arising from human-induced activities such as settlements, insufficient infrastructure, agricultural activities and excessive water traffic due to fishery boats. Even though the study area surrounding Beysehir Lake is ecologically vulnerable and taken under protection as a “national park”; domestic and industrial sewage collection and treatment is insufficient contributing to contamination of surface and groundwater resources. Solid wastes are another source of pollution; the waste is dumped into unsanitary landfills without taking any protection measures in most of the settlements. Additionally, scarcity of drinking water and insufficient supply is another issue regarding the public health. Present infrastructural status of the study area was assessed in this study to lead to recommendations and some specific actions for the municipalities and (mukhtars) for rehabilitation and improvement of infrastructure. “Watershed Management” alternatives are proposed. The main target is protection and conservation of wetlands and sustainable utilization of Beysehir Lake National Park.