Agricultural practices must also change. Türkiye’s National Water Plan (2019–2023) shows that 74% of annual water consumption goes to irrigation. Yaraşlı stresses that “high-water-demand crops should be phased out in favor of drought-resistant farming, and efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation should be promoted.” She also calls for stricter controls on illegal wells and groundwater extraction.

Industrial and urban pressure on wetlands must also be curbed. Yaraşlı insists that “nature protection laws should be strengthened and strictly enforced to prevent wetland destruction.” In addition, policies should focus on improving water efficiency and enhancing the resilience of natural ecosystems against climate change.

Restoring dried-up lakes is possible, but it requires commitment. “Successful restoration depends on scientific data, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and long-term strategies to restore natural water flows,” Yaraşlı concludes.