The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative named the “Terrestrial and Marine Caves Research Project” geared toward safeguarding the distinctive habitats of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals inhabiting caves. The venture, a joint effort of the ministry and conservation scientists, seeks to comprehensively research the geological and ecological points of those caves, enabling knowledgeable safety methods.
In the primary part of the initiative, analysis actions have been organized inside sea caves throughout two main classes: geological and ecological. The scientific groups have delved into complete literature critiques encompassing the geological intricacies of cave environments. Additionally, land surveys and analyses of the tectonic growth of the areas have been carried out, accompanied by meticulous examinations of the rock formations discovered inside the caves.
Hydrogeological and climatological analyses are additionally a part of the venture, shedding gentle on crucial components influencing these intricate ecosystems. The presence of water stream inside the caves, its seasonal patterns, water supply origins, temperature fluctuations, and oxygen ranges are among the many variables being scrutinized.
Abdullah Uçan, the final supervisor of Conservation of Natural Assets inside the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, shared insights with the Anadolu Agency (AA) in regards to the venture’s goals. He emphasised that the ministry is dedicated to advancing scientific analysis regarding protected pure areas, particular environmental zones, and pure belongings.
Uçan elaborated, “Through these endeavors, our teams venture into sea caves, meticulously studying both geological structures and the biodiversity they host. The culmination of these efforts will lead to the recognition of our sea caves as ‘natural assets’ and their subsequent protection.”
The venture has already made substantial progress alongside the Mediterranean coast, a area famend for its distinctive biodiversity and ecological complexity inside sea caves. Uçan confirmed the completion of scientific investigations within the Kırkgözler and Suluin caves in and the Kaynak collapse Mersin. The analysis course of continues in different caves, together with Derin, Rambo and Orta caves in Antalya, the Big Cave in Hatay, and Afkule collapse Muğla.
Uçan highlighted the intrinsic worth of those caves as habitats for numerous species. Formed over thousands and thousands of years and untouched by human affect, these caves have turn out to be sanctuaries for endemic species. The advanced ecosystems they home have fostered the existence of over 900 species, starting from sponges and bivalves to fish and numerous plant species. Particularly noteworthy is the Mediterranean monk seal, an endangered species that depends on these caves for relaxation and breeding.
“The Mediterranean monk seal faces the looming threat of extinction,” Uçan cautioned, including that the ocean caves maintain very important significance for the survival of those seals. Moreover, the caves’ distinctive ecosystems make them potential properties to unidentified and undiscovered species, enhancing their scientific worth.
The ministry’s dedication extends past scientific exploration; it consists of preserving the caves’ integrity for future generations and selling sustainable tourism. Uçan emphasised that diving tourism potential inside these fascinating caves is immense, but unchecked and irresponsible diving practices can jeopardize each the ecosystems and species inside. Thus, the ministry goals to not solely safeguard the caves but in addition to control diving actions in a fashion that upholds conservation whereas contributing to accountable tourism.
Uçan concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to those endeavors, acknowledging the ecological and scientific significance of the caves. He pressured, “Our mission is to unveil these hidden treasures, allowing the world to experience their wonder while ensuring the protection of the invaluable biodiversity they harbor – benefiting both the Mediterranean’s future and the global ecosystem.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
