Representatives of political parties, unions and non-governmental organizations affiliated with the Didim Civil Development Platform have protested at changes to the status of the Büyük Menderes Delta Natural Protected Area.

Regarding the issue, members of the Didim Civil Development Platform made a press statement in front of the Taşburun Fishing Shelter. In the press release, platform members criticized the decision.

Photo: Özer Akdemir

Regarding the issue, TMMOB Aydın Provincial Coordination Board Secretary Tunç Erlaçin read the press release. He said: “Büyük Menderes Delta Area status was reduced by a decree dated 3 August. With this change, Doğanbey, Akköy and Batıköy were also reduced from “definite protection” status to “qualified protection” status.

“This change is unacceptable as the Büyük Menderes Delta Natural Protected Area and the Dilek Peninsula National Park, is one of the rare and important areas for our country that has been preserved until today.”

Photo: Özer Akdemir

What is a natural protected area? Areas that need to be protected, above/underground or underwater, belonging to geological periods, and having extraordinary features due to their rarity; It is defined as a natural site.

Managed in accordance with the relevant legislation in order to protect and ensure the continuity of biological diversity, natural resources and their associated cultural resources; national parks, nature parks, natural monuments, and nature conservation areas.

While stating the area is rich in flora and fauna, the statement said that the Menderes Delta is one of the rarest ecosystem reserve areas in the country, as it is one of two areas used by sea bass and sea bream for breeding purposes.

The organisations questioned the decision-making and the reasons of the Commission, sub-commissions and the General Directorate for the change of protection status. They also said that they may resort to the relevant legal process if necessary.