Within the boundaries of the Kanlıca Management Directorate, recreation and hydrological services stand out; Riva Stream, as one of Istanbul's most important water sources, is critically important and meets the irrigation needs of surrounding agricultural areas and villages. In terms of recreational services, the Princes' Islands, Büyükada ecotourism routes, and walking routes around Alemdağ Reşadiye Recreation Area attract attention, while activities like picnic areas and sport fishing increase the region's appeal. Non-wood forest products such as resin obtained from Riva maritime pines and bay leaves are commercially utilized.
Wildlife: Deer, Wild Boar, Jackal, Fox, Red deer, Badger, Squirrel
Regulating Services: Water Supply
Cultural Services: Recreation
Provisioning Services: Non-wood forest products
Vulnerable Forest Ecosystem Service Areas
1. Beykoz Forests Under Recreational Pressure (Beykoz Forest Management Chiefdom)
Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, the Beykoz Forest Management Chiefdom experiences intense recreational pressure due to its proximity to the city center, ease of access, and landscape diversity. Enriched by groves, streambeds, and valleys, the area is heavily visited for both individual and group activities, often exceeding its ecological carrying capacity. The lack of regulated picnic zones, uncontrolled fires, littering, and off-road driving disturb habitat integrity and increase fire risk.
In addition, expanding rural and seasonal housing developments in and around Beykoz continue to encroach on forest boundaries, weakening the balance between conservation and use.
Climate change exacerbates these issues. Between 2070 and 2100, average temperatures are projected to rise by 3.2 °C and precipitation to decrease by 15–20 mm. These shifts will affect both water and forest systems, with species like Hungarian oak, chestnut, and hornbeam expected to be highly vulnerable.
2. Ömerli Dam Watershed (Kervansaray, Akfırat, Ömerli, Sultanbeyli Forest Management Chiefdoms)
These chiefdoms surround the Ömerli Dam, one of Istanbul’s most critical drinking water reservoirs, and include dense forest ecosystems that play a vital role in water supply and filtration. The area’s ecological significance stems from both its forest cover and water production potential. However, encroaching construction near forest boundaries—especially around Sultanbeyli—reduces land permeability, increasing the risk of water pollution.
The weakening of forest filtering functions threatens the dam’s long-term capacity. Land-use changes and human-induced pressures continue to elevate the area’s vulnerability.
According to projections, the region is expected to experience a temperature increase of 3.4 °C and a 20–30 mm decrease in precipitation by 2100. Species like hornbeam are likely to be significantly affected.
3. Elmalı Dam and Urban Watershed Area (Kanlıca Forest Management Chiefdom)
The Kanlıca Forest Management Chiefdom surrounds the Elmalı Dam, one of Istanbul’s few inner-city watersheds. Stretching between Şile–Taşdelen and Beykoz–Kanlıca, the area is under intense anthropogenic pressure due to its proximity to the urban core. The expansion of old village settlements, summer housing developments, and road networks is reducing forest permeability and threatening the dam’s hydrological function and water quality.
As forests lose their ability to regulate water flow, surface runoff and sediment transport increase—jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of the reservoir.
Projections for 2070–2100 show a temperature increase of 3.3 °C and a decrease in rainfall by 15–25 mm. These changes are expected to particularly impact species such as Hungarian oak.
