Düzce Üniversitesi Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi (Oct 2021)
The Effect of Urban Sprawl on Land Use Change in Mersin, Turkey
Abstract
Urbanization processes are progressing rapidly all over the world and especially affect the planning processes of developing countries negatively. Rapid urbanization resulting from the demand of the increasing population prevents controlled growth and causes land use decisions to be taken without adequate analysis. In order to continue people’s lives in a healthy and self-sufficient living environment, it is necessary to ensure the sustainable use of fertile soil and all natural resources. As a result of uncontrolled growth in these areas, irreversible damage occurs to natural resources. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of the urban texture on the natural environment and the changing area uses in the 10-year period in Mersin, one of the developing cities. For this purpose, land uses are grouped under 4 main headings as settlement, agricultural lands, forest areas and unused areas.In the 20-year period between 1998 and 2018, it was determined that the amount of urban area doubled and the total forest area decreased by 2/3 in the study area, which was approximately 35,000 hectares. As a result, it was determined that urban development caused a serious loss of agriculture and forest areas, and thus, it was emphasized that the protection of natural areas should be considered in making urban plan decisions in order to ensure urban sustainability.
