Perceptions of environmental issues in a Turkish province

This study focused on the investigation of the structure of environmental organizations, determination of the problems faced by these organizations, explanation of the politics of governmental and nongovern­mental organizations related to proposed solutions to environmental problems, and illuminating relation­ships between the two groups. The Tokat province in Turkey was chosen as the research area. A question­naire was prepared and sent to 16 governmental and non-governmental organizations. Findings indicated that air pollution is the most important environmental concern, followed by domestic waste, soil pollution, lack of a central control system, illegal construction, unplanned urbanization, lack of green areas, water pollution, waste water, lack of infrastructure, use of agricultural lands for different purposes, erosion/de­forestation, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, noise pollution and burning. Inadequate financial resources, lack of trained personel and inadequate environmental legislation are the main weaknesses in dealing with environmental problems. The Local Environmental Committee should assume greater respon­sibility for addressing environmental issues in the future and the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry should act to coordinate activities among organizations. The Ministry, rather than simply being an "advis­ing authority ' should also have the authority to levy appropriate penalties to violators. Inter-agency confu­sion and uncertainty as to the proper roles of different governmental organizations should be addressed and resolved. Successful solutions to environmental problems can only be achieved by not only governmental intervention and enforceable regulations, but also through participation of the whole society.