TEMA Foundation: Natural Life in Filyos Valley Endangered

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One of the most important areas of Turkey in terms of natural life, the Filyos Valley in Zonguldak wants to be turned into an industrial zone.

Constructions such as free zone, industrial zone, port, industrial and storage areas will be built as part of the Filyos Valley Project. The port construction has begun.

The Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA) states that the area’s ecology will be irreversibly harmed because of the Filyos Port construction. The most important effects of port construction and business will be on sea and shore ecology.

Ataç: It is an important natural habiatat on international scale

Stating that they started the legal proceedings, TEMA Foundation Board Chair Deniz Ataç underlined that the area is of international importance with its rare ecosystems and biological diversity.

Plant and animal species protected under international treaties are being hosted by the area, Ataç added.

The foundation expressed that ecotourism sensitive to the nature can be carried out in the valley instead of turning it into an industrial zone, and added that the area is rich in agriculture, which means agriculture oriented tourism activities can be an important source of employment. (NV/TK)