Using ecosystem services framework for climate change adaptation in agriculture

Doğa Koruma MerkeziNature Conservation CentreMelike KuşLand and Water Programme Officer

23-25.11.2016Agroecology Sysmposium, Budapest

Sectors we collaborate with:• Forestry• Agriculture• Water Management• Tourism

• Aims at delivering scientifically sound products,• Works in a multidisciplinary way,• Adopts tools to current conditions and develops

practical and applicable new tools,• Our stronghold: involving spatial, temporal and

numeric modelling and analysis in our work.

Nature Conservation Centre; established in 2004

Team: Ecologists, Environmental Engineers, Forestry Engineers, Urban Planners and Landscape Architects

Identifying and promoting measures which will decrease the impact of agricultural practices on natural resources, ecosystems and the species they hold, without compromising the agricultural yield and while increasing the climate change adaptation capacity in agricultural sector.

Agriculture and Ecosystem Services

Agriculture of the Future in Konya: Benefits of Conservation Agriculture in Terms of Mitigation and AdaptationPurpose of the project:To promote the use of ecosystem services approach and improve climate change adaptation in agriculture.

Central Anatolian Region: Konya Closed Basin

High vulnerability to desertification with heavy wind erosion and intensive agricultural production (esp. cereals)

WHAT WE DO (2013-…)

DIRECT SEEDING

WINDBREAKS IMPLEMENTATION

MONITOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

ECOSYSTEM SERVICESMAPPING

• Protect soil from wind and water erosion

• Reduce irrigation requirement

• Increase organic carbon• Reduce pesticide,

herbicide and fertilizer use in the long term

“Direct seeding is almost free of charge. Farmers are making a 70% profit from expenses. That’s why the prefer direct seeding.” 

Mehmet Karlı - Sarayönü District Director of Agriculture

WINDBREAKS• Windbreaks planted taking into account the wind

direction and the impact area of trees (upto 15-20 times height)

• Elaeagnus spp. (silverberry) and Robinia spp. (acacia) used

• We aim at monitoring the impact of windbreaks on soil organic content in the long term.

3.445 Individuals

246 Individuals

1.818 Individuals

217 Individuals

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITYTo assess the impact of our activities on biodiversity.

Within the project, 43 bird species, 18 plant species, 15 butterfly species, and 10 small mammal species has been observed.

Comparisons between pilot sites and other sites to be carried out.

CLIMATE CHANGE ANALYSIS

Mean Annual Temp. (Bio1)

Mean Annual Prec. (Bio12)

May Mean Temp. (Bio82)

TODAY TODAY TODAY

Change2070

(RCP45) – Today

Change2070

(RCP45) – Today

Change2070

(RCP45) – Today

Change2070

(RCP60) – Today

Change2070

(RCP60) – Today

Change2070

(RCP60) – Today

Booklets for farmers

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Meetings in different districts- ecosystem services maps prepared with regional and local managers and direct users.

Services benefited by agriculture:• Wind erosion control• Flood control• Pest control• Pollination• Climate regulation• Genetic resources• ...

Cooperations Among Governmental Institutions, Universities

Detailed ES Mapping in Cihanbeyli District

• The biggest district in Turkey (>390.000 ha)

• Main economical income: Agriculture

• Very big agricultural fields

Water Erosion Risk

Water Erosion RiskHighMediumLow

Wind Erosion Risk

Wind Erosion RiskHighMediumLow

Natural Areas – Water Erosion Control Service

Trees – Shield Bug (Eurygaster spp) Control

Water Provision Service

The Aim:Integration of ecosystem services into planning

process

Future: Climate Change ProjectionsTODAY 2070

Impact of Climate Change

Increase in Drought

Risk

Suggestions Towards Implementation

District Scale Generic Suggestions

Conserving, restoring sites providing ecosystem services:– Conservation of big lakes, implementing restoration measures

following ecological principles;– Wise use of water resources in agriculture, planning water

harvest and conserving the vegetation cover;– Enhancing the grazeland quality;– Conserving steppes and other habitats providing high intensity

of services;– New afforestation implementations following ecological

practices;– ...

New Plantation Sites

Integrated Approach to Management of Forests in Turkey, with Demonstration in High Conservation Value Forests in the Mediterranean Region

NEXT STEPForests and agriculture:

- fresh water- pest control- pollination

- erosion control/ soil protection- flood prevention etc.

Thank you...

www.dkm.org .t r