The role of local governments in the implementation of environmental policies : The case of Aksaray Municipality

Environmental problems have become one of the most important problems in Turkey as well as in every part of the world. Problems of air, water and soil pollution, global warming, destruction of flora and fauna, deterioration of ecological balance, solid wastes and urbanization are among the common environmental problems today. The emergence of these environmental problems locally leads to a universal dimension in the future. Local governments, especially municipalities, have important responsibilities in solving environmental problems. It has become a necessity for local governments to solve the environmental problems are taking place which are easier and quicker to intervene in environmental problems than central governments. In this respect, the correct identification and resolution of problems is closely related to qualified of the policies to be implemented. In this study, the importance of the local goverment is explained on the Aksaray Municipality example in the context of the policies to be carried out from a locally to a global dimension. Among the general objectives of this study are take place to give information about Turkey's environmental policy, to emphasize the importance of local governments in the implementation of environmental policies and to examine the works of Aksaray Municipality's about the environmental policies for the solution of environmental problems in Aksaray Province. In this context, firstly the basic environmental concepts are explained and environmental problems are mentioned in the study. Later, environmental legislation was discussed by giving information about Turkey's environmental policy, and responsibilities of the local governments having an important place of environmental policies were examined. In another part of this work, Aksaray Municipality's work about the environment was given and the policies applied to the solution of environmental problems in Aksaray province were examined. In the last part of the work opinions and suggestions have been made and it is aimed to form the basis for future work. As a result, Aksaray province has a great importance with geographical location, natural, cultural and historical values. However, these characteristics, which Aksaray has should be used respect to the rights of future generations with sustainability approach. For this purpose, as a local government located in the source of environmental problems of Aksaray, Aksaray Municipality should take the necessary precautions and create policies.