10. Sustainable Human Development in the Southeastern Anatolia Project Tigrek Sahnaz, Altinbilek H. Dogan (Proceedings, Hydro 2003, Vol. I, Croatia, pp. 189–196). Abstract Launched initially as an irrigation and infrastructure investment, the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) then gained the character of an integrated multisector regional development project in 1989 and was ultimately converted to a sustainable human development project in 1995 thus placing human being at the focal point of development. The goal is not only economic growth but also enhancement of the life quality of people living in the region. Several projects have been implemented starting 1995 following research and survey work on key parameters including demographic character of the region, priority problems and available resources. Among these projects are multi-purpose community centres (CATOM), rehabilitation of children working in the streets, social progress for youth. Another project launched in 1997 is “Resettlement, Employment and Economic Investment of People Affected by Birecik Dam” to help their resettlement and to facilitate their adaptation to new environment. The issue has social, economic and cultural aspects. Issues of cultural heritage are accorded priority with the objective to protect, rescue and promote components of cultural heritage in GAP Region while harmonising this effort with welfare of the people. The Zeugma Archaeological project which was executed in 1999–2000 represents one of the largest and most ambitious rescue operations of its type. The Southeastern Anatolia Project aims to use the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers for irrigation, energy and water supply in an integrated manner. At the beginning the target was to develop water and land resources of the Region in order to serve Turkish economy and improve life standard of people. Then it was understood that human development should be at the center in order to balance social objectives with economic development. In this paper several projects aimed to accelerate human development in the region were described. Based on the results of social surveys, specific projects were developed for women, children and youths. Multipurpose community centers have reached 70,000 women which are on the lowest level of the social pyramid. Rehabilitation centers for kids and youth centers are gaining some access to the target group. However these problems cannot be solved individually because they are related with the unemployment problem of the region. The participatory resettlement and cultural heritage issues are discussed within the context of the Birecik Dam. From early results it can be stated that the GAP has set a good example in balancing infrastructural and sustainable human development objectives. But it is also predicted that GAP will continue to receive attention, admiration and criticism nationally and internationally as it encompasses a large-scale development with many human related issues. Top Keywords Sustainable human development, Focal point, Economic growth, Life quality, Rehabilitation, Resettlement, Employment, Economic Investment, Archaeological project. Top |