The Importance of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Anthropocene
Yapılış Tarihi | 13 May 2026, Wednesday
In the "Science Cafe" event organized by the Burdur MAKÜ Science Communication Coordination, Prof. Dr. Sarp Kaya explained the importance of "Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Anthropocene Age". In the interview held at Bucak Adem Tolunay Science High School, it was emphasized that Turkey's rich biodiversity is under serious threat due to human activities. Prof. Dr. Kaya stated that the ability of cities to breathe is dependent on healthy mountain ecosystems, and expressed that the wild goat has strategic importance as an "umbrella" and "flag" species to protect the entire ecosystem. The program concluded with a call for the protection of wildlife areas to ensure livable cities and healthy societies.
As part of the Science Cafe events organized by Burdur MAKÜ Science Communication Coordination, Prof. Dr. Sarp Kaya, speaking at Bucak Adem Tolunay Science High School, reminded that Turkey hosts three of the 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world in his talk titled “The Importance of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Anthropocene Era,” stating that this richness is under serious threat in the human era called the "Anthropocene".
"The Breath of Cities is Hidden in the Mountains"
Prof. Dr. Kaya expressed that mountain ecosystems are vital not only for nature but also for the densely populated human population living in cities. He pointed out that clean drinking water, air quality, and climatic balance are provided by these regions; emphasizing that the sustainability of ecological agriculture and rural economy depends on the conservation of mountain biodiversity.
Wild Goat: The Ecosystem's "Umbrella" and "Flag" Species
Stating that habitat fragmentation, mining activities, and uncontrolled urbanization have made mountain ecosystems fragile, Prof. Dr. Kaya proposed an important conservation model through the "Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus)":
* Umbrella Species Effect: "Protecting wild goats means protecting not just one species; it also means protecting large carnivores such as bears, wolves, jackals, and Anatolian leopards that feed on them."
* Flagship Species Strategy: "The wild goat is a charismatic species. By transforming society's interest in this creature into conservation awareness, we can provide the social support that will mobilize lawmakers."
"Anthropogenic Shelters" Required
At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Sarp Kaya drew attention to the importance of legal protection, stating that wildlife conservation areas and national parks serve as "anthropogenic shelters" in this era. Prof. Dr. Kaya concluded his remarks with a striking warning:
"It should not be forgotten that livable cities and healthy societies in our country are only possible with the existence of healthy mountain ecosystems.