THE RESEARCH OF THE EFFECTS OF DAMS AND HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS ON ECOSYSTEM AND TOURISM ACTIVITIES

Abstract: In Turkey, dams are built for energy production outside to drinking water and irrigation needs. Numerous river-type (dam-free) hydroelectric power plants (HPP) are built on every stream in Anatolia. However, these power plants cause negative environmental impacts on a regional and global scale. These environmental impacts can be listed as the extinction of species and natural habitats, the melting of the deltas, the decline or depletion of groundwater, the drying up natural lakes, the affection of the physical and biological environment, economic inefficiency, and deteriorating socio-economic structure. Due to HPP underwater ancient cities have been increasing recently. Because of when compared to thermal and nuclear power plants, cause less damage to the environment and produce electricity at low cost, HPPs are more preferred. However, disappeared cultural heritage and biodiversity can destroy the benefits of project. In this study was shown the importance of the HPPs negatives effects on ecosystem and tourism. Also was emphasied location selection for HPP should be evaluated with parameters such as negative environmental impacts that may source from the dam, protection the country's resources and the socio-economic structure. In addition, alternative energy resources were also proposed evaluating the existing natural resources of the regions.