Eco-cities, as an instrument for sustainability: A case study of Akyaka (Muğla)

It is predicted that the sustainability of the world eco-system in the long term is impossible due to the increasing population and unconscious consumption. Since climate change caused by the irresponsible consumption and the loss of biodiversity has become important problems which must be found solutions globally, international policies aiming at the rational and efficient use of natural resources have been developed. Also, in Turkey some arrangements have been made for it. In this context, eco-cities are seen as an application tool of sustainable urbanization worldwide for the sustainability of the city and development. Because eco-cities adopt sustainability as a basic principle. The study examined international studies regarding eco-cities in the world. In addition, eco-city examples in the world have been handled and current eco-city criteria and standards have been evaluated. After examining the issue in Turkey, it is asserted that: despite the existence of related legislation in Turkey, the eco-city model and the standards for this model have not been developed. According to the result of an examination of this study, it is asserted that the eco-city criteria of the EU can be implemented in Turkey. This assertion has been handled within the scope of its applicability in Akyaka District, which is within the borders of Ula District of Muğla Province. Akyaka has been evaluated under six EU eco-city criteria as regional and urban scope, urban structure, transportation, energy and material flow and socio-economic and suggestions have been made according to Akyaka's potential and problems. In the proposals, Akyaka's current status and current plans which are in force were observed. While the result of this study has revealed Akyaka's feasibility to became an eco-city, it contributes to the literature about the applicability of eco-cities, which are one of the tools of sustainability, in Turkey as well.