Related activities:Activity I-2.1

Supervising the PAA in the professional use of technical and environmental terms of CLC and Biotope classification. Interpretation and application of environmental classification terms from English to Turkish as a precondition for implementation and training issues of CLC. Introduction of CLC as a basic information layer in the coordinated information systems of the environment of Europe. Providing basic information in the field of landscape history, on dynamics and interpretation of actual biophysical and biotope formation and distribution. Fieldwork and Training in the Elma Dağı region with MoEF experts, together with the PAA.

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Related activities:

Carry out of several meetings with selected staff from the involved twinning partner departments and their sub-divisions. Preparation of data validation according to CLC manual in a test area with State Statistic Institute and Dep. of Mapping and Photogrammetry (already agreed). Data research for the pre-selection of special protected areas (SPA) for training on EUNIS Habitat classification and mapping with APSA division. A working group for the implementation of the CORINE Land Cover project in Turkey was installed. Members are the MoEF, GD of Nature Protection and National Parks, MoEF, GD Forestry Dep. of Photogrammetry, State Statistical Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 

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TÜBİTAK together with its scientists and experts has created a taxonomical species reference list, which will be used in this Twinning Project as well. Collaboration opportunities with other bodies (Doğa Derneği, TÜBİTAK, APSA, etc.) were examined by holding some meetings with them. The program named „KUSBANK” (prepared by Doğa Derneği) seems very appropriate for an implementation of species registration and meets all requirements such as Internet connection, server oriented data processing and query possibilities. Additionally, a draft of databank structure for the a.m. “Habitats” database was designed by the STE within this period.

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The main results (in co-operation with Dr. Gerald Parolly) of the mission are the formulation of first draft check-lists of habitat types, as compiled in three appendices. All lists include annotations and suggest additions of habitat types not occurring outside Turkey or subtypes that need re-definitions:

• A harmonised, preliminary EUNIS Habitat classification for Turkey (full version)

• A harmonised, preliminary EUNIS Habitat classification for Turkey (including only habitats verified or expected for Turkey)

• A reference list of habitat types present in Turkey (Habitat directive Annex I) with a potential relevance for Natura 2000.

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A comprehensive guide to information sources on selected animal and plant groups and habitats has been prepared during the mission. The information sources include:

• Turkish national experts

• International experts with experience in Turkey

• data banks

• internet sources

• key literature (handbooks, species lists, overview works, etc.)

This resource guide will help to get quick access to the information required for project implementation. It became evident that the information basis for some animal and plant groups is excellent, but is very poor for others, in particular for habitats.

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A first database with information on the EUNIS habitat types and their distribution in Turkey was developed. It offers the possibility to collect data about their distribution and evaluate information at the level of ecological sub regions according to EROL and may serve as a basis for the further work on these topics.

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Discussion about available CIR-Images in Dep. of Photogrammetry as an ancillary database for the already running CLC projekt in S.I.S. for Turkey (PAA, Department of Nature Conservation). Meeting on previously submitted results of the satellite interpretation with aerial photos from Forestry Department for different habitats and landscapes in State Institute Of Statistics. Check on previously created results on a random basis from S.I.S. and ancillary data with ESRI ARCGIS by MTE Mr. Glaser Information and briefing national reference centre (APK) on activities concerning Corine Land Cover during Mission 2. Meeting with APK about present results and preliminary conclusions about CORINE Land Cover Project in Turkey. Support for The PAA and to the Department of Nature Conservation to specify details in the supply tender. Meeting with APSA (Authority for the Protection Of Special Areas) about field study concerning EUNIS habitat mapping in SPA Belek. 

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The database ‘Habitats in Turkiye’ is filled with over 400 data dealing with the occurence of Annex I–Habitats in Turkey. The database ‘literature’ is filled with over 230 data. A first draft of proposed habitat types to be added to the Annex I of the Habitats-Directive. A first list with the most important experts of Turkish Vegetation. The support of the Turkish Twinning Team in understanding the intention and the requirements of the Habitats-Directive - especially Annex III and the definition of the Annex I-Habitat Types in the “Interpretation Manual”. 

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A comprehensive guide to information sources on selected animal and plant groups has been prepared during two short – term missions (other was accomplished by Mr. Max Kasparek). The information sources include:

• Turkish national experts

• International experts with experience in Turkey

• Databases

• Internet sources

• Key literature (handbooks, species lists, overview works, etc.) 

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A field training/excursion in the Amanos Mountain and coastal areas according to EUNIS Habitat Classification methods with the following experts from the MoEF (Mr. Şaban Çimen, Ms. Beyza Özcan, Ms. Tuba Yaldız, Ms. Sevinç Karakaya, Mr. Ibrahim Büyükkurt), Nationalparks Department (Nihan Yenilmez Arpa) and Authority for Protected Special Areas (Levent Keskin).

Introduction of methods and targets of EUNIS Habitats Classification, including Natura2000 and Birds directives was accomplished. Relationships of EUNIS Habitat Classification and CLC classification as a basic information layer in the coordinated information systems of the environment of Europe was examined and explained with examples. 

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The main aim was to contact as many institutions and scientists as possible, in order to establish personal contacts, and to learn about their expectations from the project in regard to the Subproject 1 / Activity 3.1 and Activity 5.2. Within this activity the expert contacts to some institutions and universities and collects necessary information for the a.m. twinning project:

• Atatürk University, Erzurum

• Cukurova University, Department of Landscape Architecture, Adana

• Authority for Protected Special Areas (APSA)

• MoEF National Parks Department

• MoEF Game Hunting and Wildlife Department

• MoEF CITES Division  

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Excursion and training in the Camili region (North-east Turkey, Province Artvin) with MoEF experts (Ms. Gülen Malkoç and Mr. Adem Ağır), together with the PAA (Dr. Ulf Hauke) and the PAA Technical Assistant (Mr. İlker Sel). The evaluation of data concerning the occurrence of Lepidoptera species according to the Habitat directive was completed. Some open questions concerning the occurrence of certain species of the Habitats will be answered by the end of September. A checklist of butterflies of Turkey already exists (see annexes), and a list of the Annex II species (butterflies) was compiled. A meeting at TÜBITAK (Mr. Y. Darendelioğlu) concerning a scientific database of Lepidoptera species in Turkey was hold in order to obtain some data for the project. Approach to Turkish Lepidoptera experts to ask for co-operation (Prof. A. Koçak, M. Kemal, Z. Okyar, S. Seven).  

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The two protected areas, which will be used to apply the EUNIS Habitat classification in Turkey were identified: (1) The SPA “Belek” (near Antalya) was nominated by the APSA administration. A detailed evaluation of the available information was completed. The site covers approximate 11.000 ha. (2) Menderes Delta and Dilek Peninsula with an area of 35.000 ha. Its detailed evaluation will be finished in the next weeks.

A meeting was accomplished with the involved departments and institutions on CORINE Landcover (CLC) Project. Discussion on support of CLC Project with CIR-aerial photos by Department of Photogrammetry (MoEF) as an ancillary database. Another meeting with APSA local Department Antalya (responsible for SPA “Belek”) was done Meeting with local Department Antalya of Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Meeting with Prof. Mustafa Gökceoğlu in the Akdeniz University about the recently finished “Master plan study” on SPA “Belek”. A pre-field study was done for biotope mapping in 2005 (2 day) in the SPA “Belek” with Mr. Ulf Hauke (PAA), Mr. Levent Keskin (APSA, Ankara), Mr. Kürşad Arıgümüş (APSA, Antalya). 2^nd meeting with Mr. Kürşad Arıgümüş (APSA, Antalya), about the preliminary results of the field study and the further procedure what is planned for 2005. 

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The work on an updated draft version of the harmonized, preliminary EUNIS habitat classification for Turkey has been continued. The main focus was laid on the habitats expected for Turkey and on habitats, which are typical for the country and are therewithin the responsibility of Turkey. These include:

• Checking and correcting the potential habitat types of Turkey (main focus: Euxinian high mountain habitats)

• Annotating and suggesting additions to habitat types that do not exist outside of Turkey

• Re-definition of types and subtypes

• Definition of the 4-level hierarchy as traced by the EU-Coding.

Intending to do a practical step, the STE made contacts to meet at least one eminent botanist, Prof. Dr. Zeki Aytaç (Gazi Üniversitesi), and to inform him about the targets of the projects. Additionally, a field excursion to “İyidere-İkizdere-Ovitdağı Geçidi” was performed together with Dr. Harald Kürschner. 

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Within the framework of Activity 8.1, a field excursion to “İyidere-İkizdere-Ovitdağı Geçidi” was organized (12.09.2004 to 18.09. 2004) (linked with activity 3.2). The area (transect İyidere-İkizdere-Ovitdağı Geçidi) was selected because it provides an easy accessible and nearly complete overview on the Euxine vegetation belts, ranging from the formerly densely wooded lowlands to the subnivale belt of the Doğu Karadeniz Dağları. This made it possible to familiarize the staff of the Ministry (MoEF) with the main mountain habitat types of the area, with a main focus on the high mountain vegetation. A list of species is therefore omitted; however some of the main character species of the higher syntaxa seen in the field were given.

Additionally, the work on an updated, actualised draft version of the harmonized, preliminary EUNIS habitat classification for Turkey was continued (together with Mr. Gerald Parolly). A first draft of lower plant species (Bryophyta) of Turkey whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of protection and which are of community interest (Annex II; Directive 92/43/EEC) is prepared and first additions of species within the responsibility of Turkey were given.  

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Identification of the relevant species for Turkey according to the Habitats Directive, Annex II, IV and V. The species of the Annex II, IV and V of the Habitats Directive, which are relevant for Turkey, were identified. The actually known localities of these species were documented.

A first version of an annotated checklist of the land- and freshwater and of the marine molluscs of Turkey was produced and the relevant references were documented.

At the present time there are 799 species of land and freshwater molluscs living in Turkey and 610 known marine Species.

First reference lists of marine, land and freshwater molluscs were prepared. In addition a reference list for the habitats for the species important for Turkey was provided, based on the EUNIS habitat classification.

The importance of the mollusc species for Turkey were discussed with the specialists of the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry. They were asked to get into contact to institutes who work with fishery and look for data about the distribution of the large freshwater mussel species of Turkey. 

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A biotope mapping-workshop was carried out for 2 weeks (5 days theoretical and 3 days practical training in the field) with approximately 35 participants from related departments and administrations . The workshop contained an office part, where theoretical basis of biotope mapping was explained and a field part, where practical training in the field took place. For the training in the field two different areas were chosen: (1) The Kizilcahamam National Park (north of Ankara), (2) The Elmadağ (south of Ankara).

The aim and the methods of biotope mapping were explained and the necessary steps and working materials were introduced. The way of the work and the correct steps were explained in detail on different examples.  Besides, the training course dealt with the interpretation of aerial photos and with the question of how to make borders, fieldwork, producing maps, etc.

Based on the mapping data sheet from Brandenburg and Berlin a suggestion was made for the first mapping data sheet of biotope mapping in Turkey. During the training, the data sheet was developed in cooperation with the participants. During the fieldwork in Kızılcahamam and Elmadağ, different biotope types and typical species of plants and animals were introduced. The demarcation of biotopes was trained within 8 groups at different places and on different examples.

Literature was evaluated according to the habitats of Annex I of the Habitats Directive. References lists have to be completed and people have to be trained in mapping methods, but also in determining plant species. 

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Activity 1.3: Qualifying staff for managing Natura 2000 sites A first training on the implementation of the Birds- and Habitats-Directive was prepared and carried out. 21 Turkish experts from several departments and administrations participated to this training.

After an introduction and provision of basic information, the German experts explained Article VI and the obligation of protection of sites under the Habitats Directive. The main topics were:

• Basic information on the Birds and Habitats Directive, discussing on concrete text examples, presentations of field examples, state of play in Germany and EU

• Basic ideas, legal and scientific principles and field examples according to Article 4 / Annex I Birds Directive (e.g. IBA-criteria; Court of Justice, Case C-3/96)

• Basic ideas, legal and scientific principles and field examples according to Article 3 - 4 / Annex I - III Habitats Directive (e.g. scientific basement, “best expert judgement”-principle)

During three lessons, the participants received an overview about the most important regulations of the articles and some examples of their implementation in Germany.

A first draft of the guidelines for the implementation of the Natura 2000 network was elaborated. These guidelines consist of recommendations in terms of the administrative organisation of the implementation of Natura 2000. The emphasis was put on a national implementation of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive in form of a network of reserves protected according to national legislation. Suggestions were made for the approach of developing the database for the selection of sites for this network.   

Another focus was set on the development of an administrative structure in the MoEF and the establishment of a specialised agency with departments in the provinces. The German experts had two appointments with NGO’s to use and include their knowledge, some aspects and ideas of the development of nature protection in Turkey were discussed and information was exchanged. A proposal for a future administrative organisation for the implementation of Natura 2000 was prepared.

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The main result of the mission was an actualized and more detailed draft-version of the “List of Habitat Types for Turkey”. The list exists as an MS-Access database (created by Mr. Christoph Rückriem in Activity 4.1).

The added draft-list of habitats (218 types in whole Europe) includes now about 100 habitat types occur in Turkey. Approximately 20 habitat types of this list occur probably in Turkey, the occurrence must be checked in the field. Adding of about 20 new habitat types will be nessesary considering the responsibilty of Turkey (especially to protect Anatolian types or endemic plant species, that are not listed in Annex II). 

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The relevant species of “Coleoptera” for Turkey according to the Habitats Directive (Annex II, IV and V) were identified. In some cases, further investigations are necessary (systematic problems/no exact data available). A few data for the occurrence of these species in Turkey were gathered. With the help of the informations, available from the literature and the Internet, a list of species with short reports was prepared, which can be regarded as proposal list from Turkey for the extension of the annexes of the Habitats Directive.  Read the Mission Report

In a profound discussion the questions of which “International Conventions” are served by the European Nature Protection Law., basic requirements for the transposition of that law into Turkish Law, recognition of conflicting Turkish Law, right of property and regulations on nature protection and integration of protected sites into the planning process were examined.

The basic requirements for the transposition of the European Nature Protection Law into Turkish Law were recognized. The relevant international conventions were discussed with Turkish experts (Mrs. Hanife Erdemli, Mr. Yusuf Güneş). 

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State of the CORINE Interpretation at S.I.S. and at the private subcontractor was checked by Twinning Project. Before any further activities of the Twinning Project concerning Corine Land Cover, the protocol about the co operation between the departments must be signed officially. Before starting a training in Corine Land Cover by the EEA  at APK (MoARA) a basic information meeting is necessary. The APK must request or invite responsible EEA-expert(s) to that meeting. Monitoring of the project progress in respect of the implementation of CLC and of biotope/EUNIS mapping was examined in detail.

A meeting at State Institute of Statistics (S.I.S.) about the state of interpretation was hold and as a result an agreement about data check, although data protocol isn`t signed until now, was prepared.

Preparations for a technical workflow for the training in biotope mapping were evaluated. Indications for the datasheets and further field training were discussed and remarks for the elaboration of field maps with ancillary data were also given by the STE. Read the Mission Report

First draft of the checklist of mammal species of Turkey was completed. Species relevant for the Habitats directive, annex II and IV were identified. Candidate species for the amendment of annex I Birds Directive were identified. Candidate list was discussed with experts from university and NGO.

The mammals check list available at the MoEF did only include the species covered by the “hunting law”. Data for bird species were more reliable. Candidate species for the ammendment of annex I Birds Directive were identified and a list of potential candidates to be added to annex I of the Birds Directive was discussed with experts from university and NGO.

The mission was divided in two parts:(1) Participation to a conference held by the Turkish NGO “Doğa Derneği” in Taşucu /Silifke, followed by a field trip through the Taurus mountains and Olympos National Park, (2) Several meetings with experts took place:

• Hunting and Wildlife Department (MoEF)

• Prof. Can Bilgin (Middle East Technical University, Ankara)

• Güven Eken and colleagues (Doğa Derneği).

• Other activities took place within this mission:

• The most recent literature was evalutated as well

• First draft of the checklist of birds of Turkey completed

• Candidate species for the ammendment of Annex I Birds Directive identified

• Candidate list discussed with experts from university and NGO

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Introduction into the basics of the production of draft maps for biotope mapping was given to a group of Turkish collaborators. Preparation of draft maps for the area of Dilek of 1 topographic map 1:25.000 was accomplished. Assumed time for draft map preparation was determined as at least 10 days (probably up to 14 days depending on the difficulty of the area) with a group of four persons (Şule Ataman, Raile Kökdemir, Tuba Yaldız, Sibel Şenel). These persons have to be freed for the time from all other duties, to get an efficient way of working. Best would be a separate working room.  

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The literature concerning the “Turkish Odonata Fauna” for a preliminary literature list for the database of the project was arranged. Contacting Turkish counterparts for getting information’s about local experts and giving an introduction in “Dragonfly Fauna” diversity in Turkey, some problems of investigation and protection/compilation of a check list of the Odonata species in Turkey and identifying the relevant species according to Habitats directive (Annex II, IV).

Materials to find out the recent distribution of all dragonfly species in Turkey and the adjacent regions in order to state the situation of the Annex species and to identificate other endangered species on which Turkey has a high responsibility in Europe and the world as an addition for the Habitats directive Annexes were examined.

A short description of the character, distributional situation and habitat specialization for every Annex-species and some proposed additional species were compiled.   Read the Mission Report

(A) Mission in Istanbul (07-11 march 2005). The basis of the legislation work in Istanbul was the First Draft of the Law of Biodiversity and nature protection prepared by Dr- Gunes after discussions with Prof- Dr-Louis. The structure and the articles were discussed in depth. The following categories of provisions were identified:

• Provisions necessary for the transposition of the Habitat and the Bird Directive and the EU CITES Regulations into national Turkish legislation

• Useful provisions for a better nature conservation standard in Turkey.

The new German Federal Nature Conservation Act of 25 March 2002 (Annex I) was presented as an example of a legislation meeting all the requirements of the European Law. The relevant provisions of the German law were explained for a redrafting of the Biodiversity law.

(B) Mission in Ankara (14 – 18 march 2005): The STE participated to a workshop of representatives of various ministries, local governments and nongovernmental organizations on the First Draft of the Biodiversity Law.     

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One of the main objectives of the mission was to assess and review the already existing information and achievements of the project related to habitats (checking of files). In order to bring Turkish local experts from the universities on board of Twinning project, the STE used his personal contacts and joined meetings (sometimes up to 3 appointments) with the following colleagues and institutions:

• Prof. Dr. Zeki Aytaç, Prof. Dr. Hayri Duman, Prof. Mecit Vural, Gazi University.

• Doç. Dr. Galip Akaydın, Faculty of Education, Hacettepe University, with this contact also to Prof. Dr. Musa Doğan, Middle East Technical University.

• Prof. Dr. Sadık Erik and Prof. Dr. Şinası Yıldırımlı, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University.

• Doç. Dr. Adnan Erdağ, Adnan Menderes University Aydin (who came for 2 working days to the MoEF).

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