Desire for Greener Land

2.3 DESIRE methodology examples
Case study of the DESIRE methodology – Eskişehir, Turkey
(This case study is structured according to the 5 steps of DESIRE approach as explained in chapter 1)
I Establishing land degradation and SLM
context and sustainability goals
Socio-cultural, economic and environmental context
The Eskişehir region is situated in the inner Northwestern
Anatolian region, on the north rim of the Eskişehir plain,
covering an area of 90 km 2 , and situated between 800 and
1400 m altitude. The area has been strongly influenced
by agricultural and industrial activities due to its proximity
to Eskişehir city. In the coming decades, urbanisation is
projected to increase, as well as the demand for water for
industrial, domestic and agricultural needs. At the same time
the incidence of droughts is expected to increase.
Degradation problems in the area include soil erosion by
water and wind, salinization, surface water pollution and
groundwater depletion.
Land use is mainly rainfed agriculture (mostly cereals), irrigated
cultivation (sugar beet and sunflower), pasture and
man-made forests (mainly pine and oak trees).
Geology and soils: the substrate consists of metamorphic
rocks with sandstones and conglomerates and alluvial deposits.
Marble lenses in the metamorphic rocks are mined.
The climate is dry continental climate with an annual precipitation
of 380 mm, with temperatures generally below 0°C
during winter and possibly exceeding 40°C in summer days.
Existing conservation measures: conservation measures to
protect land, water and biodiversity resources are limited in
the area. Crop rotation, fodder crop production and reforestation
are practiced.
Socio-economic situation: the Eskişehir area has a high productivity
in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors compared
to other regions in the country, but the educational
and income levels of the village inhabitants and farmers are
low. The study site has 3040 inhabitants.
Location of the Eskişehir study site in the Eskişehir plain.
Case study of the DESIRE methodology – Eskişehir, Turkey DESIRE – WOCAT 2012
Institutional and political setting: Several state organisations
and research institutes at the national and provincial
level coordinate land and water management in the area.
The municipality decides on land use and management
within its borders. Several civil society organisations provide
extension services to land users, including financial support.
The national NGO TEMA is active in combating soil erosion
and the restoration and protection of natural habitats.
There is limited communication between stakeholders and
local and national policy representatives.
Stakeholders, goals and drivers
The main stakeholder groups include the villagers holding
livestock, land users of the cropland, farmer unions,
the municipality, provincial directorates for infrastructure,
water, environment and forestry, several research institutes
and two environmental NGOs. The sustainability goals identified
for the Eskişehir area reflect the needs of the livestock
holders, farmers and state organizations.
The main socio-economic and environmental drivers are summarized
below. Policies to protect land and water resources
include a national law on soil preservation and land use.
Sustainability goals
Goal 1 Increasing biological diversity
Goal 2 Improving productivity of fodder production on pasture lands
Goal 3 Conservation and improvement of soil fertility
Goal 4 Forest cover increase and maintenance
Goal 5 Efficient use of groundwater sources
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