By Dean Prof. Dr. Ufuk Fatih Küçükali

Water is not only a fundamental component of social and economic development but also an indispensable natural resource for the sustainability of all life. Therefore, access to water is not merely an issue of infrastructure or resource management; it is directly linked to the continuity of life itself. Today, global climate change, population growth, and urbanization are increasing pressure on water resources, making the phenomenon of drought more visible and impactful.

Turkey ranks among countries with limited per capita available water resources, which further underscores the importance of effective and sustainable water management. However, drought cannot be explained solely by reductions in water quantity. Imbalances in temporal and spatial distribution, patterns of use, and insufficient attention to ecosystem needs necessitate a multidimensional approach to the issue.

For many years, traditional water management focused primarily on increasing water supply. Today, however, this approach is being replaced by a more holistic perspective that emphasizes the conservation of water in both quantity and quality. Within this framework, water should be regarded not only as a resource for human consumption but also as an essential element for the continuity of ecosystems. Ignoring the water needs of natural systems can, in the long term, disrupt the hydrological cycle and exacerbate the effects of drought.

At the international level, basin-based and holistic approaches to water management are increasingly adopted. For instance, the Netherlands approaches water management not merely through flood control but in integration with spatial planning, developing planning models such as the “Room for the River” approach that allow space for natural water processes. Similarly, Australia’s integrated basin management model in the Murray-Darling Basin represents a significant example of balancing agriculture, ecosystems, and water use.

In Europe, the European Union’s Water Framework Directive mandates water management at the basin scale with ecological integrity as a fundamental principle, prioritizing the protection and improvement of water quality. Such approaches underscore that water should be regarded not only as an economic resource but as an ecological asset that must be preserved.

In Turkey, it is equally important to approach water management at the basin scale and through an interdisciplinary lens. In this context, the “ecological basin master plan” approach emerges as a crucial tool for the sustainable management of water resources. Basin-level planning enables the simultaneous evaluation of water quantity, quality, ecosystem needs, and human use.

The discipline of landscape planning plays a significant role in implementing this holistic approach. By considering both natural and cultural landscape components, this discipline allows spatial decisions to be guided by ecological thresholds. This scientific approach identifies which areas should be protected, where controlled use is appropriate, and which regions are at risk.

To develop an effective strategy against drought, water must be considered not merely as a consumable resource but as an integral part of a broader system. In this regard, the conservation, efficient use, and ecosystem-compatible management of water are paramount. Moreover, creating up-to-date inventories of natural resources, establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and grounding planning processes in scientific data are of critical importance.

In conclusion, drought must be approached as a multidimensional environmental process, and solutions should reflect this complexity. Holistic planning, basin-based management models, and ecological approaches are fundamental tools for ensuring the sustainability of water resources. Strengthening these approaches in Turkey’s water management is essential for mitigating the effects of drought and ensuring that water resources are preserved for future generations.