Stratejik doğal kaynak olarak su ve Türkiye’nin konumunun değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

This paper starts with a discussion of transformation process of water from free goods to an economic value. Then, water resources structures of the world and Turkey have been analyzed, respectively. After discussing the world& #8217; s virtual water trade in details, common water-related problems of Turkey have been given. Because, while world-wide water demand is tremendously increasing everyday, water resources dramatically reduce. Although Turkey does not face important water-shortage problem at the moment, changes in climate might increase the risk of water-shortage in the future. Even if the potential water-shortage problem is expected in some regions of the country, it is extremely distressing. Because, while water resources are limited and even insufficient, the demand is increasing every day. Nevertheless, water is a strategic resource in the geographic region of Turkey. For that reason, it is possible for Turkey to face problems about water caused by neighboring countries. Similar international pressure may force Turkey to develop a water policy, which is not risky for the future of the country.