Yuvarlakcay River in Peril
There will be a protest held in Yuvarlakcay on Saturday at 10:00am. The protest is against the construction of a hydroelectric power generating scheme that will in effect divert the stunningly beautiful river running through Yuvarlakcay. (where the fish farms and restaurants are). The river and surrounding area is one of outstanding natural beauty and supports a large range of fauna and flora throughout that area and the impact on the environment from this scheme will reach as far as Koycegiz lake.
The developers are due to start chopping trees down (many of them rare and mature) on Saturday morning
Representatives of environmental groups from many areas including Izmir and Istanbul will be attending the demonstration along with national media reporters, the local villagers and many Turkish and foreign groups.
Berna Babaoglu will be attending the protest and she has asked if we could let all FRG members know about this protest and all are welcome.
If you wish to join the demonstration there will be a large group of representatives leaving from Dalyan on Saturday morning. Anyone wishing to join this group, please meet at the denizati restaurant at 08:00 on Saturday morning, Transport is being arranged for those that do not own vehicles, anyone who wishes to go in their own cars but do not know the way are also welcome to meet at the Denizati restaurant and can follow from there.
If you wish to make your own way to Yuvarlakcay people will be meeting at the Yesil Vandi restaurant in Yuvarlakcay at 09:00. From there the group will walk to the protest site.
It would be advisable to take sturdy footwear and suitable clothing, including waterproofs. It would also be beneficial to take along some food and drink with you.
The person organising this protest is CEMAL the owner of the Yesil Vardi in Yuvarlakcay and he can be contacted on 05426672962.
UPDATE........ 21/12/09
Information received from Murat Demirci
We're very saddened to see the clearing of the trees at Yuvarlkcay today. A 60m-wide strip along the north bank of the river is being cleared in order to lay pipes and electric poles and build a road to help lay the pipes. In summary, the area has been devistated; especially it was very dissapointing to see the source of the river, where they've also knocked down centuries-old plane trees.
The majority of the people of this area has been there once, I'm sure, as well as the tourists. Have a look at it now: : http://media.causes.com/684082
We need to raise over voices louder than ever. In this regard, some activities are being organised:
- TOMORROW (21st Dec.), at 12:00, there will be a protest gathering in front of KOYCEGIZ Special Environment Protection (OCK) building. THere will be a letter to the Mugla Governer open for signature. Be there to sign and have your say.
- WEDNESDAY (23rd Dec.), DALYAN WALKING GROUP will gather next to PTT in Dalyan at 10:00, go to Yuvarlakcay area by own transport, and do a walk from the restaurants area to the source of the river. At the same time, cyclists from DALYAN CYCLING GROUP will ride from Dalyan and meet us there. The walk is very easy and about half an hour. IF YOU WANT TO JOIN, PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY PHONE OR E-MAIL.
Hope to see you at both of these events
Murat Demirci
Dalyan Walking Group