AI Review of "Assessment of Compliance Performance of Environmental Regulations of Industries in Tuzla (Istanbul, Turkey)"

This paper offers a significant contribution to environmental management discourse, particularly by providing a detailed empirical assessment of industrial compliance with environmental regulations in a key industrial area of Turkey. It provides a clear examination of how regulations are implemented within this developing context, adding valuable insights to the literature on environmental compliance and capacity in emerging economies.

Overview

The work titled "Assessment of Compliance Performance of Environmental Regulations of Industries in Tuzla (Istanbul, Turkey)" aims to analyze how well industries comply with Turkish environmental regulations. It highlights the emphasis on the command-and-control strategy as the dominant regulatory framework and evaluates compliance across various sectors in Tuzla by using a robust methodological approach that combines micro- and macro-level assessments. The study's core finding is a low level of overall compliance, attributed primarily to the lack of an effective compliance management system and inadequate public consciousness regarding environmental issues. Furthermore, the paper offers policy recommendations aimed at improving the regulatory architecture and compliance outcomes.

Relevant References

Including a clear literature review helps reviewers quickly see what's new and why it matters, which can speed up the review and improve acceptance chances. The following references were selected because they relate closely to the topics and ideas in your submission. They may provide helpful context, illustrate similar methods, or point to recent developments that can strengthen how your work is positioned within the existing literature.

1. Yasamis, Firuz D. “Assessment of Compliance Performance of Environmental Regulations of Industries in Tuzla (Istanbul, Turkey).” Social Science Research Network, Social Science Electronic Publishing, 2011, doi:10.2139/ssrn.1844343.
2. Savaşan, Zerrin. “Instruments of Environmental Compliance.” The Anthropocene: Politik - Economics - Society - Science, Springer International Publishing, 2020, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-36483-0_6.
3. Njihia, Jane. Towards Improved Compliance with Environmental Regulations. 2018, https://thesis.eur.nl/pub/46760/-1-41001.pdf.
4. Vasconcelos, Priscila Elise Alves, et al. “Environmental Compliance: Search for Effectiveness in the Application of Environmental Standards.” International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science, AI Publications, 2019, doi:10.22161/ijaers.68.34.
5. Yemli, L. El, et al. “Environmental Management: A Survey Industrial Establishments in the Region Gharb- Chrarda Beni Hssen.” Environmental Science: an Indian Journal, 2014, https://www.tsijournals.com/abstract/environmental-management-a-survey-industrial-establishments-in-the-region-gharb-chrarda-beni-hssen-3049.html.
6. Prasetyaningsih, Dyah Mustika, et al. “Effectiveness of Environmental Law Implementation: Compliance and Enforcement.” Volksgeist, IAIN Purwokerto, 2022, doi:10.24090/volksgeist.v5i2.6826.
7. Alıca, Gökalp, and Süheyla Suzan. “Environmental Administration in Turkey.” The Anthropocene: Politik - Economics - Society - Science, Springer International Publishing, 2020, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-36483-0_4.
8. Kyzdarbekova, A. S., et al. Concept of Environmental Compliance in the Transition to the Green Economy and Ways of Its Development. 2023, doi:10.46914/1562-2959-2023-1-3-9-22.
9. Krooks, David A. Environmental Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ECAMP) Republic of Turkey. 1997, doi:10.21236/ada328966.
10. Esengün, Kemal, et al. “Perceptions of Environmental Issues in a Turkish Province.” Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, HARD Publishing Company, 2006, http://yadda.icm.edu.pl/yadda/element/bwmeta1.element.agro-article-739c2c13-7eb9-497f-a74d-014077b2cca4.

Strengths

The submission's primary strengths lie in its empirical rigor and comprehensive data collection methodology. The use of both micro and macro-level assessments enables a nuanced understanding of compliance performance across different industry sectors. The paper effectively highlights systemic issues in the current regulatory framework, emphasizing a lack of clarity in division of responsibilities among enforcement agencies and suggesting actionable policy recommendations. Furthermore, the study fills an identified research gap by evaluating a major industrial area in Turkey—a context often underrepresented in compliance studies. The emphasis on practical recommendations such as enhancing environmental compliance management systems and improving public environmental infrastructure strengthens the paper’s relevance for both practitioners and policymakers.

Major Comments

Methodology

While the methodology is thoughtfully designed, incorporating interviewer verification could enhance the reliability of the data collected. The current approach, which relies on self-reported data from technical managers with no independent verification, could introduce bias or inaccuracies. Future studies might consider triangulating data with observations or third-party audits.

Scalability

The study's findings are primarily localized to Tuzla and may not be easily extrapolated to other regions in Turkey or different countries. A discussion on the scalability and generalizability of the results would provide greater context for the study's broader applicability and allow academics and policymakers to draw parallel conclusions in similar industrial contexts.

Ethical Framing

The paper would benefit from an expanded discussion on ethical considerations, particularly concerning industrial and governmental accountability in environmental compliance. A stronger ethical framing could underscore the urgency of addressing compliance failures and motivate collaborative stakeholder engagement.

Minor Comments

Figures and Diagrams

The submission would be enhanced by the inclusion of visual aids such as graphs or flowcharts, illustrating key findings or methodological processes. This would aid in the clarity and comprehension of complex information, particularly in summarizing compliance status across various parameters.

Terminology

Clarification of industry-specific terminologies, such as 'positive EIA decision' and reference to specific Turkish environmental statutes, could benefit international readers who may not be as familiar with the regional regulatory framework. Including a glossary or descriptive footnotes may improve accessibility.

Reviewer Commentary

This work offers a pointed reminder of the complexities faced by developing countries in achieving effective environmental compliance. The interdisciplinary potential of the research is significant, bridging environmental science, policy studies, and socio-economic disciplines. Future research could build on this study by exploring the role of international environmental aid and how global partnerships might support improved compliance outcomes in transitional economies.

Summary Assessment

The intellectual contribution of this work is notable in its empirical assessment of regulatory compliance within a crucial industrial setting in Turkey. By identifying key systemic weaknesses and proposing tangible recommendations, the paper advances the conversation regarding the implementation of environmental management strategies in developing contexts. As industries and regulators globally face mounting pressures to reconcile economic activities with sustainable practices, the insights provided here are timely and universally relevant.

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The study's exploration of compliance in a Turkish industrial zone invites a broader conversation on achieving robust environmental governance amidst developmental challenges. The recommendations proposed may serve as a foundation for future policy reforms, both in Turkey and in similarly positioned nations globally.