Ramsar Sites of Turkey - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Agriculture is the most important source <strong>of</strong> income <strong>of</strong> the local people. Agriculture lands
are clustered in northern and southern portions <strong>of</strong> the site. In
illages in the north <strong>of</strong> the site an area <strong>of</strong> 1897ha is used for agricultural
purposes. Sugar beet, sunflower, wheat and barley are produced in these lands. In
used for agricultural purposes. Apple is produced in this area in addition to those
produced in northern parts.
The Environmentally-
carrying out agricultural activities in line with the characteristics <strong>of</strong> the land and livestock
production so that popularizing production <strong>of</strong> plants with less irrigation requirements,
controlled pesticide and fertilizer use, more convenient irrigation techniques requiring
less water and rehabilitating the lands has been implemented in Kayseri since 2005.
Livestock
One <strong>of</strong> the main means <strong>of</strong> living <strong>of</strong> local people <strong>of</strong> Sultan Marshes and its immediates is
livestock production. It is a subordinate source <strong>of</strong> income in the region. A large portion <strong>of</strong>
the meadows in and around Sultan Marshes were opened to agriculture. Seasonally
flooded meadows apart from these are used for pasture except in winters. Because
livestock production in the region is carried out conventionally, most <strong>of</strong> the animals <strong>of</strong> the
local people graze inside or around the conservation site during the year.
Local people use a total <strong>of</strong> 13.502ha area inside the conservation site as pasture. Sheep
are grazed in the steppes and cows and buffalos are grazed in swamp areas. Almost
24.000 cattle and 38.000 small ruminants are raised in the settlements in Sultan
Marshes and surrounds. The grazing pressure in the site is accordingly high.
Reed Harvesting
area to earn a source <strong>of</strong> income. Reed harvesting is a widespread activity in Sultan
Marshes and annually about 1500 tons <strong>of</strong> reed is cut. Most <strong>of</strong> the reed is exported
abroad. The annually exported reed amount reaches up to 300.000 bundles (each bunch
contains 200-400 units <strong>of</strong> reed). A reed bundling and storage facility was established in
Moreover, the reeds used as fodder and ro<strong>of</strong> material in the
region constitute a key source <strong>of</strong> income in the area. Reed (Phragmites australis) and
bulrush (Thypha sp.) species are harvested mostly in August and September.
Recreation and Tourism
Visitors and some groups <strong>of</strong> interest in Sultan Marshes developed tourism activities and
facilities without being planned and based on any rules as usual. Annual number <strong>of</strong>
visitors is around 1500 depending on the condition <strong>of</strong> the site. Due to the drought in the
past three years, the number <strong>of</strong> visitors keeps around hundreds. Visitors can be
categorized in two groups:
a) Visitors coming individually for birdwatching, who are mostly foreigners,
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