Evaluation of Policies Regarding Productive Agricultural Land and Protected Natural Areas, Sustainability, and Their Impact on Real Estate Markets

The natural values present in the world and within Türkiye possess strategic significance, particularly regarding human health, the continuation of species, and the sustainability of resources. Nonetheless, technological advancements, rapid population growth, and development policies contribute to the deterioration and depletion of these values. In Türkiye, it has been observed that the challenge of utilising agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes, which is a primary concern among the existing issues related to agricultural land, poses a threat to both current and future agricultural production. Furthermore, this situation is known to have implications for the real estate sector, as the conversion of agricultural lands for non-agricultural uses increases real estate investments, especially in sectors such as housing and industry. To protect agricultural lands effectively, it appears essential to establish sustainable land management practices, promote policies that foster social awareness, and maintain an updated and reliable soil database. With the advent of the twentieth century, area-based protection approaches have emerged as critical considerations globally. In Türkiye, various categories of natural protected areas, including national parks, nature parks, and special environmental protection areas, have been designated. However, several factors may hinder the attainment of protection objectives, such as the delineation and registration of the boundaries of protected areas, the protracted duration of the protection zoning plan process, inadequate public participation, the inability to provide compensation for restrictions on property rights, and a lack of effective management models. In this context, consolidating the management of natural protected areas in Türkiye under a single organisation and establishing a legislative framework for these areas are among the primary recommendations. Furthermore, it is emphasised that achieving the protection objective will have a positive impact on the real estate sector.