GedizDelta
Izmir, Central Aegean Region, Türkiye
Breathing life back into the Mediterranean’s largest urban wetland
The Gediz Delta is one of Türkiye’s largest coastal wetlands and a haven for biodiversity. Home to around 15,000 pairs of the iconic Greater Flamingo, 30% of Europe’s population, the delta also hosts 303 bird species, including the majestic Dalmatian Pelican. Beyond its rich biodiversity, the delta supports 250,000 people in the surrounding region through one of the largest salt pans in the Mediterranean.
But unsustainable irrigation for intensive agriculture is putting both nature and people at risk. Doğa Derneği, BirdLife’s Partner in Türkiye, is working alongside local communities to tackle this freshwater crisis and restore the balance of nature – ensuring a thriving future for both its nature and people.
Our Future Vision
The Gediz Delta is a vibrant and resilient ecosystem, home to flourishing habitats such as wet meadows, native scrubs, and gallery forests. Better water management and restored saltpans help protect it of climate change impacts, while sustainable agriculture, grazing, and fisheries support both nature and local livelihoods.
THE DELTA AT A GLANCE
300+
Species
9+
Habitat types
26,000
Hectares
Habitat types
Lagoons, reed beds, fresh and saltwater marshes, salt meadows, dry and wet meadows, seasonally flooded meadows, islets, farmland, and Mediterranean shrubland
Key Species
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), Common and Caspian Tern (Sterna hirundo, Hydroprogne caspia), Salicornia sp. and Tamarix smyrnensis plants, Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis)
Designations
Important Bird Area, Key Biodiversity Area, Ramsar Site.
Main causes of degradation
Habitat loss and degradation due to intensive agriculture, land use changes, water mismanagement, water pollution, rising sea –levels, over-salinization
Our plan: Restoring the Delta for nature, people, and the planet
- Restore 200 hectares of wet meadows to revive natural habitats and boost local incomes through sustainable grazing practices.
- Convert 60% of arable land within the wetland buffer zone to organic farming, reducing water use and pollution, while involving farmers in sustainable practices
- Transform 40% of current salt production into eco-friendly practices that support breeding habitats for birds and enhancing native plants. Convert 300 ha of unused salt pans to natural habitats.
- Restore tidal areas by removing barriers to allow natural water flow between salt and freshwater zones.
- Protect wildlife by combatting poaching, removing illegal structures, and burying powerlines to prevent harm to birds.
- Involve and empower local stakeholders, including the citizens of Izmir, to play an active role in the delta’s restoration and management.
“The Gediz Delta has endured countless challenges over the centuries, but it’s now at a critical tipping point—losing more habitats is simply not an option. With the backing of a strong local coalition, Doğa Derneği is ready to create a sustainable future for the delta.”Serdar Özuslu – General Manager of Doğa Derneği