Trabzon plateaus face environmental pollution and declining traditional farming

Environmental degradation is impacting high-altitude plateaus in Trabzon, Turkey. Observations near the Sümela Monastery and Camiboğazı Plateau reveal significant issues with littering, including plastic bottles, bags, and food packaging left behind by day-trippers and picnickers.

While the increase in automobile access has brought more visitors to these natural areas, it has also led to a decline in traditional highland activities such as cattle farming. The influx of urban habits into these natural spaces has resulted in waste accumulation and the pollution of local streams. Effective management, including better waste collection and infrastructure, is noted as necessary to complement the improved road access to these regions.