Water Footprint Concept and Forests

IWA 4th Regional Conference on Diffuse Pollution & Eutrophication , İstanbul, Türkiye, 24 - 28 Ekim 2022, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.64, (Özet Bildiri)

Water footprint is a remarkably crucial concept in terms of sustainable water management. The

concept of water footprint was first introdeuced UNESCO-IHE Water Education Institute in

2014. Water footprint explaines people’s need for fresh water in terms of volume. The

components of the water footprint are the green, blue ve gray water footprint. After oxygen, the

substance necessary for life is water. Types of water are surface water, groundwater, seawater,

bitter water and fossil water. The total amount of water in the world is about 1.5 billion km3.

The amount of fresh water is 35000000 km3. Plants take nutrients from the soil with water and

are carried in their organs from there. Technical features, time, growing areas as well as the

amount of water in the soil of the trees in the growth, development and shaping of forests. Water

scarcity is measured with the falkenmark index which is calculated by dividing the available

water resources the population. If the Falkenmark index value is 1700 m3/person/year and

more, there is no water problem. Turkey is a country with water stress due to its falkenmark

index value is 1519 m3/person/year according to the 2014 WFF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

report. Plants need heat, light and water for photosynthesis. The effect of climate features on

life and production of living things cannot be calculated mathematically. However, statistically

average values can be given. Annual rings are the place where the effects of climatic features

such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, light and frost are observed on forest trees.

Stand density acts an important role in the production of substances and functions in the forest.

With the stand basal area increase in the forest the water production decreases. Forests are

important in terms of water productivity. Hydroligical function of the forest functions includes

water production, increasing the quantity and quality of water, ensuring the continuity of water

and protecting water resources. This study was aimed raised water footprint awareness. The

concept of water footprint will be explained in order to draw attention to the purpose of clean

water and sanitation which are among the goal of sustainable development. Forest role of water

production will emphasized. In addition, forests great importance in climate action, one of the

goals of sustainable development. Growth and development in forest trees are shaped by

climatic conditions. Water is important in terms of the growth and development of forest. Forest

are much more in region on heavy precipitation. Decrease in precipitation depending on climate

change will result in water shortage. The protection of forests and the concept of water footprint

are important in point of sustainable water management. When water resources are polluted,

they cannot be used. Water footprint can be reduced by reducing the amount of water used in

daily life and taking precautions against water waste. Waste that separated and rcycling must

be ensured.