Acarlar Lake, which comprises the second largest flooded forest in Turkey, is one of the most important wetlands in Marmara region of Turkey. Within the catchment area of the lake, there are 3 plant species, listed under Bern Convention, which are globally threatened (Important Plant Areas of Turkey, WWF Turkey-DHKV, March 2003)

Hottonia palustris, an aquatic plant, is endemic to this region of Turkey. Other important rare water plant species are Leucojum aestivum and Thelypteris palustris (TÜRÇEK Report, 1997 - www.dhkd.org) Being located on one of the migration routes of Anatolia between the wetlands of Trakya and Middle Black Sea, the lake is indispensable for migrating birds. Marine and coastal, forest and wetland ecosystems all meet at Acarlar, which makes the site a unique example for environmental education.

In 1976, 1576 hectare on the western side of the lake was reserved as ?Wildlife Protection Area? by National Parks and Wildlife Protection Directorate, Ministry of

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Forestry. On 25.06.1998, Acarlar lake was reserved as 1st Degree Natural Sit by Protection Committee of Cultural and Natural Beings. In spite of all these protection status, the ecosystem is under severe threat. The observations made in the area revealed the root problems related to lake: lack of knowledge, consciousness and awareness of local public on the importance, statues, national value of the area; lack of knowledge on conservation methods and alternatives; difficulties in the control mechanism of the activities which threat the lake (such as deforestation, agricultural intensifying); and lack of sustainable and nature-friendly alternatives for making money. Even though the problems that are more apparent may differ according to the location, insufficient environmental awareness and weak bonds between local people and the sites are common problems troughout Turkey.

Acarlar Lake Environmental Education and Visitor Center will be established by the active participation of local public. Center will offer possibilities of in-situ environmental education, along with possibilities of applied and theoretical lessons in order the locals to become familiar with nature-friendly options of income creation. However, Acarlar Lake Environmental Education and Visitor Center mainly aims to be an operational model for environmental education in Turkey.

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