TÜRKİYE'DE 

SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR  KALKINMANIN 

SOSYAL BOYUTU

Yoksulluk (*) Demografi (*) Sağlık (*)

Eğitim (*) Yerleşme (*)

Although important provisions have been made for planning, housing and services the sheer number of gecekondu has risen from an estimated 240,000 during the First Five-Year Development Plan (1963-1967) to an estimated 2,000,000 at the beginning of the Seventh Five-Year Development Plan (1996-2000).

Within the framework of a sustainable development approach, the integration of environmental policies into all social and economic policies has gained an importance. 

As stated in the Eighth Five-Year Development Plan (2001-2005) , Turkey's National strategy and policies to combat poverty are as follows:

• To reduce inequalities in income distribution and thus alleviate poverty and enable each segment of the society to gain a fair share from the welfare increase, are the main objectives.

• The main principle will be to implement economic and social policies in harmony with each other that will have as their objective the economic growth, elimination of absolute poverty, alleviation of relative poverty and approximation of the income of the poor segments to an average welfare level. 

• The transfer system will be restructured with a view to ensuring redistribution of income to the poor or those who are at the poverty line.

• By focusing on vocational guidance programs and projects that will increase the productivity of the population in the rural area and diversify agricultural production pattern, the participation of the related local people shall be urged.

• Special importance shall be put on backing up small and medium sized enterprises and encouraging new entrepreneurs.

• In order to alleviate discrepancies among regions, along with economic investments, investments on education, health and social services shall be speeded up.

• Social service and social aid systems shall be made easier accessible to the poor section of the population. Within this framework, local administrations, private establishments engaged in providing social aid as well as charity establishments, shall be encouraged to be more efficient in programs on combat with poverty in collaboration with public institutions.

• Education, health and social services shall be made accessible for those in need. Furthermore, projects towards meeting the housing requirement of these sections shall be encouraged.

• A system, securing food provision for the poor, shall be developed. Moreover, a system that should prevent impoverishment of the masses in times of economic crises or natural disasters and prevent that the population in poverty becomes poorer shall be established.

• Necessary arrangements shall be made in order to enable that surveys on income distribution and poverty shall be carried out within short intervals and regularly

New financing models of housing have been introduced, including the 1980s-like "mass housing" scheme which provides for credits to housing cooperatives through the newly established " Housing Development Administration " and the "Mass Housing Fund " (1984).  

It is rather a global phenomenon that poverty steadily grows and deepens. According to various analyses of the United Nations, some 1.1 billion people, half of whom live in extreme poverty, are defined as "poor". This was pointed out during the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995. 

Turkey is not an exception to this situation. The lack of sufficient housing, which is both a basic need and a very important consumption item for human well-being, reflects the extent of poverty which many socioeconomic groups experience. "Gecekondu", which is the Turkish version of squatter housing seen in every developing country, provides shelter for the urban poor and "have-nots" in and around big cities (metropolises) and invades more and more rural (agricultural) land every day. Of the estimated total urban population of 37.8 million (that is, 60.9% of the total population) in 1995, nearly a quarter still live in genekondu-type settlements. However, the formation of gecekondus has not been stopped due both to the scarcity of National financial resources and to rising poverty levels. 

Salaries and wages have increased at high rates in real terms for the period 1990-1994. Wages of workers in the public sector have increased by a factor of 2.04, whereas in the private sector they increased by 1.5. During this period, policies were implemented for improving income distribution, and the share of wage and salary-earners in the GDP was raised.

While abject poverty (defined as pervasive poverty below biological or nutritional standards) may not be a problem in Turkey, extensive relative poverty is, and the number of poor with less than adequate nutrition, housing, and health standards has been increasing in recent years. The social security institutions in Turkey have increasing financial problems. The imbalance between the active and passive insurers requires organizational changes.

The unemployment rate went up to 10.5% in 1994. Similarly, the level of underemployment reached 9.3%. In urban areas, the unemployment rate among educated young people is high, whereas the proportion of women in the labour force is low. Employment in the agricultural sector with low-productivity continues to account for over 45% of the total employment of about 20.4 million. Employment in the public sector, which makes up 40% of the total paid employment, remained the same in the period 1991-1995.

Responsibilities related to demographic issues are divided among different Ministries and public institutions according to their mandates. The Ministry of Interior is responsible for vital registration system, issuing personal identification cards and keeping the records of foreign citizens residing permanently or temporarily in the country. The State Institute of Statistics (SIS) is responsible for collecting and disseminating social and economic data and statistics through conducting decennial population censuses, surveys and by gathering data on different subjects. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security keeps the records of Turkish workers employed in different foreign countries. State Planning Organization (SPO) develops alternative strategies and policies for the Governments by following developments at international level and by monitoring demographic trends in the country and coordinates the activities of concerned institutions. Hacettepe University, Institute of Population Studies (HIPS) as one of the leading academic institutes with a comprehensive experience in the field of demographic studies such as Demographic and Health Surveys contributes to the field of population and development.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment , the Ministry of Forest, the State Planning Organization (SPO), and the State Institute of Statistics are engaged in integrated policy coordination in the field of population, environment, and development. A Demographic Dynamics and Sustainability Working Group has been set up under the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) to coordinate the different actions in the field of population, environment, and sustainable
development.

Turkey has made significant progress over the last twenty years in creating mechanisms to address its environmental problems. 1982 Constitution recognises the right of citizens to live in a healthy and balanced environment. Environmental act was passed in 1983 and Ministry of Environment was established in 1991. Reformation of environmental legislation and instruments for environmental protection, establishment of Environmental Impact Assessment and adoption of the National Environmental Action Plan are some of important steps forward.  

The Eight Five Year Development Plan , which covers 2001-2005 period, envisages the necessity of effective use of economic and financial instruments for the integration of economic and social policies including population policies by recognising the interlinkages between demographic and environmental issues. Plan also sets the principle that “the balance between population dynamics and natural resources, economic activities, technological, social and cultural developments will be taken into account in planning and policy formulation processes at all levels.”

With the growing demand for a clean environment and raising public awareness for its protection, active non-governmental environmental organisations are emerging.  

The first Population, Environment and Development Conference was organised by the Environment Foundation of Turkey with the financial support of UNFPA in 1997. The proceedings of the Conference which were published in 1998 include the linkages between population, development and the environment were examined and discussed  within the framework of ICPD PoA.

Turkey is one of the 20 most populous countries in the world with a population of 66.8 million in 2001. A relatively high growth rate with a 1,5 percent puts additional pressure on natural resources and results in greater production of wastes.

The annual population growth rate fell from 2.07 % in 1980 to 1.48 in 2000. The total fertility rate, which was estimated as 2,93 in 1990, dropped to 2.50 in 2000.  Similarly, the infant mortality rate is estimated to drop from 51,5 (in thousand) in 1990 to 35,3 in 2000. Life expectancy at birth for males is 66.9 and for females 71.5. The total life expectancy is 69.1 for the year 2000.

The population is rapidly urbanising at 4,7 percent, nearly triple the national population growth rate. It is estimated that 69 percent of the population lives in urban areas. Rural migration to the urban centers usually originates in areas with low agricultural production where the use of land often exceeds its carrying capacity. Excessive migration combined with inadequate infrastructure facilities in the urban centers causes environmental degradation.

High rate of population growth; low level of education; over employment in agriculture sector; rapid, unplanned and long-term urbanisation; unplanned industrialisation; unequal distribution of income; limited coverage of social security programmes are basic challenges to be overcome for reaching a balanced growth and sustainable development in Turkey.

Every year, a quarter of the population is involved in some process of education and training on environment. Environmental education is provided in primary and secondary level school programs. Programs relating to the environment are also offered by at least 21 universities, and courses such as ecology and environmental law and policies are given at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Informal education programs attracting about 1 million people a year also include some form of environmental education and training.

The General Population Census conducted in 2000 which is expected to be finalised by 2002 was designed to obtain data on household facilities, such as source of drinking water, ways of sanitation.

Turkish Demography and Health Surveys, which are conducted in every five years also, include questions designed to obtain data on household facilities, such as source of drinking water, ways of sanitation.

The activities in the fields of population and environment, such as data collection, dissemination of information, are mostly financed by public budget, whereas NGOs use the financial resources of local and international donors mainly for projects that aim at raising public awareness and coalition building.

The Third Country Program of UNFPA includes some activities concerning promotion of awareness on interrelationship between population, development and environment, as envisaged by the ICPD Programme of Action.

No information available.

No information available.

No information available.

No information available.

No information available.

Infant mortality rate was 43.1 per thousand in 1995 and dropped to 35.5 in 2000 and life expectancy at birth rose from 68 years to 69.1 years.

As of the end of 2000, it is expected that the number of hospitals will reach to 1.220, the number of public health units in urban areas to 5.700 and the number of public health units in rural areas to 13.500. It is estimated that the number of population per physician will be 807 and the number of population per bed will be 384. As of 1999, 38 percent of total beds and 40 percent of physicians are in three metropolises constituting 25.6 percent of total population. Utility rate of the existing beds is 59 percent, in country general. bed utility rate in district hospitals remain under 25 percent and the flow of patients to hospitals in big cities continues.

The unbalanced distribution of health personnel and infrastructure in country general and the lack of coordination and cooperation among institutions and their service units persist.
The rate of population covered by health insurance reached 86.4 percent. With the implementation of Green Card System, 8.7 million people have been provided the opportunity of in-patient treatment services.

The basic health indicators such as infant mortality, child mortality below the age of 5, mother mortality, and immunization rates have not improved sufficiently. This insufficiency stems not only from the problems concerning the health sector, but also from factors such as the environment, nutrition, housing, distribution of income, provision of clean drinking water, and water for use.

Better education, especially for women and girls, has increased the population's understanding of the leading threats to good health, the ability to care for their families, and the probability that they will seek appropriate access to health services.

No information available.

No information available.

Investments in health, education, and poverty alleviation have led to the improvement of overall health in Turkey.

The second Health Project financed by a World Bank loan and using the management services assistance through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will help to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of the 4.6% of GNP (US$ 98 per capita per year) currently consumed by the health sector in Turkey.

No information available.

The Ministry of Education and the Education and Publication Department of the Ministry of Environment, which are responsible for education on sustainable development, are preparing a National Strategy on Education. They also undertake measures to encourage partnerships, mobilize resources, provide information, and assess the needs of different population groups.

The Institutional and Training Council of the Ministry of Education is responsible for the preparation of curricula.

No information available.

Although one presently does not exist, the Ministry of Education and the Education and Publication Department of the Ministry of Environment, which are responsible for education on sustainable development, are preparing a National Strategy on Education.

NGOs and local authorities play an important role by organizing various information campaigns and other activities to raise public-awareness on sustainable development. 

No information available.

The curricula at the primary school level have been revised to better address environment and development as a cross-cutting issue. Measures are being taken to revise the curricula at the college and university level. In 1995, there were no plans to review the curricula at the secondary school level and in vocational schools. Environmental issues are usually taught by using printed material and by organizing special classes on the topic.

According to 1999 data, the literacy rates for the population age 12 and over where 77 and 94 percent, for females and males respectively. In 1999-2000 period there were about 12.7 million students and 484 thousand teachers in 60 thousand public and private primary and high schools. However the share of private schools in student numbers is only about 2 percent. As regard to informal education activities, about 3 million people have been trained at  6.531 public and private institutions. In 1999-2000 education period, enrollment rates were 10 percent in pre-school education, 98 percent in primary education, 60 percent in secondary education of which 23 percent in vocational technical schools and 37 percent in general high scholls (lycees).

Avarage education level of the population is as follows: 64 percent of the employed consists of primary and secondary school graduates, 13,4 percent high school graduates. As of 1999, the share of university graduates in populations is only about 4,3 percent.

Education in Turkey is beset by serious problems, and the major factor underlying the shortfall is the high population growth. The educational level of the country's population is still insufficient. But there is a dropping trend in the population growth rate and numerical figures in education develop positively.

The Ministry of Education and the Education and Publication Department of the Ministry of Environment, have initiated various public awareness-raising campaigns and competitions between schools and organized a number of meetings, panel discussions, and symposia on the issue. In addition, the Education and Publication Department of the Ministry of the Environment has prepared TV firms, theater plays, and newspaper and billboard advertisements.

Turkey was planning to start a training programme for teachers in 1995.

Schools and universities have access to different databases in the field of sustainable development through the INTERNET.

No information available.

No information available.

No information available.

The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement are responsible for human settlement decision-making. 

With regard to legislation in this field, the (City) Planning Law, No: 3194/1985; the Gecekondu (Squatter Housing) Law , No: 775/1966; the Mass Housing Law, No: 2985/1984; and the Public Housing Law, No: 2946/1983 are the main laws governing housing policies in Turkey. 

The Government of Turkey had a dual role in its preparatory work for the Habitat II Conference. As the host country, Turkey was responsible for all the necessary arrangements for the Conference. On the other hand, Turkey prepared, in close cooperation with a considerable number of public agencies and NGOs, a National Plan of Action. It is based on an enabling strategy which addresses the issues of human settlements in both urban and rural areas, including the assessments of shelter, infrastructure and service needs, the review of the effectiveness of existing urban policies, and the identification of issues and bottlenecks to local development that call for action. Issues pertaining to poverty alleviation and job creation, pollution reduction and environmental improvement, as well as community participation and new modes of governance are also addressed in the Plan. 

A Local Agenda 21 for Urla is a pilot initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF)/NGO Small Grants Programme. Urla is located within the close hinterland of Izmir and is highly affected by the adverse environmental impacts of rapid economic development in Izmir. This project is providing input to the National Agenda 21 preparatory process. A local committee, involving all relevant stakeholders, has been established for the preparation of Urla Local Agenda 21. 

Local authorities are under pressure to meet the increased service requirements, ranging from the disposal of immense amounts of solid wastes to the provisions of parks and play areas. Due to their financial dependency on the central government and legislation limiting their capacity in decision-making, the local authorities in Turkey are unable to provide these services at the required level.  

No information available.