Land use on the coastal belt between Aliağa-Yenifoça and the devolopment of concious of natural environment

X ABSTRACT Study area covers coastal belt extending the southern part Gulf of Çandarlı, Aliağa and Yeni Foça, northern part of Izmir, Aegean region. Geologically, the neogene vocanic and volcano-sedimantary terrain and alluvions are found in the study area. Study area can be divided into three units: Sloppy/hilly, plain and coastal belt in terms of morphological properties. In this area Mediterranean climate prevails which is charecterized mild and rainy winters, dry and hot summers. The mean yearly temperature is about 16-17 °C (Aliağa 16,5 °C, foça 16,7 °C), the mean annual rainfall ranges between 600-700 mm. In such area brown and limeless brown forest, rendzina, alluvial and colluvial soil appear, but most of the climatic soil has been subjected to erosion. The climax plant cover of the area is composed of red pine (Pinus brutia) it is found as a small cluster. A majority of the red pine is replaced by maquis and maquis is replaced by garriques communities in place where red pine forest has been destroyed and degenerated. The land capability classes of I, II, HI and IV which are suitable for cultivation extend along the coastal belt as a narrow belt, while uncultivated lands are foud on the hilly areas and swampland and salty areas. Settlements which had been established during the ancient historical time are found along the coastal belt. Presently summer houses or secondary settlements are being set up near the coastal areas, most of which is found on the fertile agricultural area. Misuse of land is the main problem of the study area. In order to maintain sustainable development the study area can be replanned according to land capability classification and earring capacity of the area can be taken into consideration.