Determining land use change and land degradation on Artvin?s forest ecosystems caused by run-of-river type hydroelectric power plants

In this study, the main objective was to determine the negative effects of small (run-of-river type) hydroelectric power plants (HEPP) with continuously increasing numbers in the Country on forest ecosystems and the associated natural resources especially during the construction period. Also, using GIS to ascertain the areal-based land use change for areas affected both at the construction and operational stages of these projects was chosen as another objective of this thesis. Kabaca HEPP, constructed in a forest area in the town of Murgul in Artvin was chosen as a case example for this study. Areal estimations were made for the environmental damage caused by the high volume of excavations that came out because of constructing several structures (including two large regulators, a power station and a transformer station) and building roads for the Kabaca HEPP.Estimations showed that the amount forest area lost by this HEPP ?when the amount of forest land use change and/or forest fragmentation was considered together- was approximately 10,989 ha. In addition, when the forest loss amount for a single HEPP project is proportioned to the total 116 HEPP projects, predicted forest area loss may reach to about 1.274,72 ha.In order to minimize the negative outcomes of both the planned and in-construction HEPP projects on the natural resources of Artvin, plans using the Integrated Watershed Management should be applied. Moreover, in general, the current number of HEPP projects should be cut, permissions given for multiple HEPP projects in small catchments should be denied, construction techniques having minimum damage to the ecosystem should be encouraged, and severe criminal sanctions must be imposed when improper techniques are used. Taking these precautions is very important in respect to sustainability of the forest ecosystems and providing their functions properly in the region.