The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Distributes the Guide on Xeriscaping to 81 Provincial Governorships, Municipalities, Ministries, and the Turkish Hotel Association
Minister Yumaklı: “By transitioning all turf areas to xeriscaping, we can achieve up to 80% water efficiency.”
As the summer season approaches and landscaping activities increase, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı highlighted the need for smart water use, emphasizing that opting for drought-resistant plants instead of traditional turf could yield up to 80% water savings. Yumaklı noted that Turkey, as a Mediterranean basin country, is increasingly experiencing the negative effects of climate change and is classified as a water-stressed nation according to international indicators.
Minister Yumaklı further explained the Ministry’s commitment to efficient water use and the prevention of waste, stating:
“With the ‘Water Efficiency Campaign’ initiative, launched under the patronage of Ms. Emine Erdoğan and coordinated by our Ministry on January 31, 2023, we began a nationwide transformation to ensure sustainable and efficient use of our resources. This mobilization aims to adapt to the changing climate, protect water resources, and achieve sustainable management. The Water Efficiency Strategy Document and Action Plan (2023-2033) was enacted under a presidential directive as part of this effort.”
Based on this directive, the Ministry’s General Directorate of Water Management published the Guide on Xeriscaping Practices, which is available on their website and has been shared with all provincial governorships, municipal authorities, ministries, and the Turkish Hotel Association. According to Yumaklı:
“Xeriscaping refers to using water resources wisely in areas with arid climates or limited water resources by avoiding traditional ‘aesthetic landscape’ concerns and moving away from ‘classical landscaping’ approaches. We hope all stakeholders will consider the guidance outlined in our manual and show the necessary sensitivity in their landscaping practices.”
“Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Landscaping Areas”
Minister Yumaklı pointed out that high-water-use turf is often chosen due to aesthetic concerns and its availability. However, he stressed:
“By converting some of the turf areas to xeriscaping, we can achieve 20-50% water savings, and by converting all turf areas, we can reach an average of 80% water efficiency. This practice also reduces maintenance and energy costs by about half. Therefore, creating eco-friendly and sustainable landscaping areas is crucial for preserving and enhancing our country’s water resources.”
Drought-Resistant Plants for Landscaping, Treated Water for Irrigation
The guide, emphasizing water conservation principles, includes the following recommendations for landscaping practices starting in the spring season:
- Use mulching techniques to reduce soil evaporation, covering soil with organic or synthetic materials adapted to local climate conditions.
- Opt for efficient irrigation systems and irrigate during early morning or after sunset to minimize water loss.
- Use alternative water sources, such as disinfected, treated wastewater, instead of potable water for irrigation.
- Design xeriscapes with drought-resistant plants (e.g., stonecrop, Japanese spindle, star carpet, white clover, Algerian violet, Japanese broom moss) and minimize turf area.
- Choose drought-resistant turf species (e.g., fescue, ryegrass, Bermuda grass) when turf is necessary.
- Source energy from renewable energy wherever possible.
- Integrate green infrastructure applications, such as green buildings, green roofs, green streets, vertical gardens, and roof gardens, within xeriscaping principles.
- Create natural drainage channels for water reuse after filtration and build rain gardens to store rainwater for underground water supply.