Speaker
Description
Mega projects, including large-scale industrial zones, bridges, airports, and transportation infrastructure, represent significant investments that profoundly alter land use patterns and pose substantial risks to ecosystems. Within the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing "life on land" and "climate action," the social and environmental ramifications of these projects often extend beyond economic and regional development considerations. While substantial research has been conducted on the effects of mega projects on urban areas, their impacts on rural regions and communities tend to be more profound and destructive.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) serves as a critical mechanism for evaluating the environmental consequences of such projects. Although EIA processes have been legally implemented in Turkey since the 1990s, they have often proven insufficient in mitigating environmental damage.
Mega projects are primarily concentrated in the Marmara Region of Turkey, encompassing a series of investments collectively referred to as the "Golden Ring." This initiative aims to establish a transportation corridor enabling travel across the entire Marmara Region within four hours, thereby facilitating the decentralization of industrial activities. Within this context, the provinces of Bursa and Yalova occupy a pivotal position as key junctions in the Southern Marmara region. These provinces possess unique natural assets, ecological diversity, and rural settlements, which necessitate careful evaluation from a sustainability perspective.
In this context, this study focuses on assessing the environmental impacts of mega projects on rural areas, with specific reference to Kılıç Village in Yalova (Çiftlikköy) and Taşpınar Village in Bursa (Karacabey). Both villages are strategically situated at the intersection of major regional investments. Kılıç Village is located along the Istanbul-İzmir Highway and within the borders of the Yalova Machinery Specialized Organized Industrial Zone , while Taşpınar Village lies within the Technological Organized Industrial Zone (TEKNOSAB). Notably, Taşpınar Village is also situated near Lake Uluabat, a Ramsar-protected wetland of international significance. Both villages are characterized by high-quality agricultural production and rich ecological resources, which heighten their vulnerability to environmental degradation.
A mixed-methods approach will be employed in this study, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative methods will include a review of relevant literature, institutional perspectives, and interviews, while quantitative methods will involve the analysis and mapping of data on population, industry, trade, and transportation.
The study also aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transformation processes experienced by rural areas such as Bursa and Yalova over the past decade due to the implementation of mega projects. It will also examine the potential future impacts of these transformations. By highlighting the risks associated with prioritizing economic development at the expense of environmental sustainability, this research seeks to serve as a warning and a guide for mitigating the adverse effects on rural communities. Furthermore, the findings are expected to inform strategies for safeguarding ecological balance and rural identity before critical environmental and social thresholds are surpassed.
| Keywords | Mega Projects, Rural Areas, Sustainable Environment, Ecological Balance |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
