Tuz Golu faces ecological threat from drought and groundwater use

Tuz Golu, Turkey’s second-largest lake, is facing a severe water crisis driven by drought and intensive groundwater extraction. Located in central Anatolia south of Ankara, the shallow saline lake is a critical ecological site, serving as the country’s most important breeding ground for flamingos.

The environmental impact has been significant; five years ago, increased salinity due to water shortages led to the deaths of approximately 1,000 young flamingos, according to the Turkish agriculture ministry. The crisis is exacerbated by agricultural activities in the Konya basin. Research from Middle East Technical University indicates that only three percent of precipitation in the basin actually reaches the lake.

Beyond its ecological value, Tuz Golu is vital to the local economy. It provides roughly two-thirds of Turkey’s annual salt production and supports tourism and local employment.