Agriculture Minister Yumaklı: The Water Law should be enacted in 2026.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı Optimistic About Water Law

The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made important statements at the 5th meeting of the National Water Council. Emphasizing that the challenges posed by climate change necessitate a holistic approach to water management, Minister Yumaklı stated, "In other words, we are focusing on risk management instead of classical crisis management."

Scientific Strategies Are Being Developed for Water Resources

Yumaklı noted that they have made 35 decisions in meetings held within the framework of the National Water Council so far, with 16 of them completed and work ongoing on 19 decisions. He said, "Our goal is to have the vital Water Law for our country enacted in our Grand National Assembly by 2026."

Action Plans Are Being Prepared for Lakes

Among the decisions of the National Water Council are action plans specifically addressing water losses in lakes. Highlighting that 78% of the water loss in Burdur Lake and 79% in Eğirdir Lake is due to evaporation, Yumaklı stated, "We have created measures by taking into account the hydrological and ecological characteristics for each lake."

2026 and 2027 Investment Statistics

Minister Yumaklı announced that under the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI), 290 facilities will be constructed with a budget of 169 billion lira for the year 2026. He emphasized that these investments will be made within a strategic framework affecting both agriculture and industry.

Turkey's Role in International Water Policies

Yumaklı noted that hosting the UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE summit highlights Turkey's increasing role in climate change. He expressed that the World Water Congress to be held in Istanbul in 2027 would further strengthen Turkey's strategic position in water management.

After Minister Yumaklı's speech, the meeting continued behind closed doors.