Drought threat at Lake Tuz: Salt harvest impossible for the first time

Lake Tuz, which meets Turkey's salt needs and is known as a paradise for flamingos, is under a major threat due to the increasing drought in recent years. 

The lake has receded for kilometers due to the impact of the drought, and a serious decrease in water levels has occurred. In Lake Tuz, which has dried up by 90 percent over the last 35 years, a salt harvest could not be carried out for the first time this year. The water, which covered an area of 92 thousand hectares a quarter-century ago, has now shrunk to just 9 thousand hectares.

The drought has negatively affected not only the water level but also the amount of salt in the lake. In addition to the decreasing water level, the hundreds of bird species that the lake hosts are also being affected by this situation. 

As many bird species are leaving the region due to the depletion of water resources, other living species inhabiting the area are also gradually declining. Lake Tuz is at a critical point both in terms of its ecosystem and the economy, and the situation is expected to worsen if urgent measures are not taken.