Study Area

The study is being conducted in Izmir, a province in the Aegean Region of Türkiye, covering an area of 11,891 km². With a population of 4.4 million and a population density of 372 people/km², İzmir is Turkey's third most populous city. Due to its favorable climate, natural and cultural resources, and developed industries in agriculture, tourism, and services, Izmir is a major attraction. As the third most migratory city in Türkiye, Izmir faces rapid population growth and urbanization, leading to significant land use changes. These changes impact the ecosystem services provided by the city's resources and present challenges to ecological conservation, especially in urban and rural areas. Izmir's 30 districts show varied distribution in terms of population density, natural resources, and urban functions. Some districts are highly urbanized, while others, dominated by agriculture, maintain a rural character.