ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF THE TÖDÜRGE LAKE SENSITIVE AREA TO BE STRICTLY PROTECTED IN SIVAS PROVINCE, TURKEY

Lakes are important stagnant water bodies that protect the ecological integrity of any region, and they have an effective role in maintaining the ecosystem. Tödürge Lake, which is karstic, is located in Sivas Province of Turkey. The average depth of Tödürge Lake, which is the largest natural lake of Sivas Province, is around 4 m. The lake has a very rich habitat in terms of flora and fauna. Tödürge Lake and its surroundings are an area that should be protected with both natural environment characteristics and cultural resource values. This study is about the environmental sustainability of Tödürge Lake, which was registered and announced on 26 June 2021 as a sensitive area to be strictly protected in Sivas Province of Turkey. A total area of 1378.94 hectares in and around Tödürge Lake has been determined as a sensitive area to be strictly protected. This is a very positive step and is of great importance for the future of Tödürge Lake. The Lake has gained an important status with its registration and announcement as a sensitive area to be strictly protected. With this status, the sensitive area of Tödürge Lake, which must be strictly protected, will now remain cleaner and be used in a more controlled manner. In order to leave a sustainable Tödürge Lake not only for the present but also for future generations, environmental impacts must be well managed individually and institutionally.