Ecological Influences on the Evolving Planning System in Turkey

Abstract

Many developing countries' national plans and urbanization policies lack effective measures to address environmental degradation and support the sustainable use of natural resources. Sustainable urban development policies, the most important pillar of socio-economic development, have not been produced and/or integrated to the urban planning system in Turkey. Suggesting that economic growth may be equaled to wealth and welfare is only possible in environments where certain requirements are satisfied. These requirements may be enumerated as not surpassing the natural renovation capacity, minimizing pollution risks, optimal protection and preservation of non-renewable resources, use of natural resources according to protection-utilization principles. This chapter firstly addresses planning tradition in conceptual background, and analyses relationship of this convention with urban development. Secondly and final phase it addresses the ecological influences created by the urban development shaped by urban planning tradition on the environment, and presents suggestions for solution.