Hotel project planned in the nesting area of Caretta Caretta turtles, in Gazipaşa (Antalya)
In the district of Gazipaşa in Antalya, a hotel is planned to be built in the protected area. The location for the hotel construction is both a breeding ground for endangered Mediterranean seals and a nesting area for Caretta Caretta turtles, both of which are protected under international agreements.
Local residents are working to obtain a ‘Negative Environmental Impact Assessment (ÇED)’ decision in the meeting scheduled for January 8 at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate and a few real estate agents held a ‘profit meeting’ in Antalya. Information about the five-star hotel project was provided at the meeting on February 8. However, there were no locals or non-governmental organizations present at this supposedly public participation meeting.
THE PROJECT WILL LEAD TO ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION
Local residents express concerns that the construction of the hotel will not only hinder public access to the untouched beaches of Antalya but also lead to environmental destruction. The hotel is planned to be built on a 122-decare area, equivalent to approximately 17 football fields. The settlement area will cover 51 thousand square meters. A five-star hotel with 841 rooms and a capacity of 2,508 beds is set to be constructed. This region is not only a nesting area for Caretta Caretta turtles but also a breeding and habitat area for the endangered Mediterranean seals.
CONCERNED SHORES DESIGNATED AS 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE NATURAL PROTECTION AREAS
Gazipaşa’s beaches have high biological diversity, hosting sand lilies and other endemic plants. These shores are designated as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree natural protection areas. On January 8, the Ministry will hold an Evaluation Commission meeting regarding the hotel project. The locals of Gazipaşa appeal to the ministry officials, saying, “Issue a negative ÇED decision” as the construction of this hotel will set a precedent and open the way for the construction of other hotels on the protected coastal area.
Contrary to international agreements
Both the Bern Convention and the Barcelona Convention, along with the associated Istanbul Declaration, emphasize the protection of sea turtles and Mediterranean seals on the shores. These agreements are binding on municipalities and governments. Gazipaşa is one of the limited sanctuaries for these two species in Turkey. With the construction of this hotel, not only the natural areas with landscape beauty but also the wildlife dependent on the coastal areas will be threatened.
Source: DIKEN.COM.TR (aysegulkasap@diken.com.tr)
