Joint appeal from 308 organizations: 'Stop logging in the Akbelen forest'

Photo: Kazım Kızıl

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308 organizations including the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DİSK), the Confederation of Public Employees Trade Unions (KESK), the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), and the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), political parties, organizations for women's rights, gender equality, ecology, city, and democratic rights made a joint appeal called "Stop logging in the Akbelen forest, withdraw the decision for logging trees." 

The years-long struggle by the people of the İkizköy village in Milas, Muğla against coal mining in the Akbelen forest was highlighted. 

"The three coal-fired thermal power stations in Milas and Yatağan, and the coal mines opened in order to provide coal to them are extinguishing the farming areas and forests, and polluting the air and water of Muğla," the joint appeal says. 

It also underlined in the appeal that the same is causing early deaths. "Despite the scientific studies show that mining brings irreversible damage to the region, the general interest is sacrificed for the benefit of a "dirty energy" management model," the same states.

The appeal recalls that tree logging started in Akbelen forest after entering there accompanied by police and gendarme on July 24 and that the police intervention against the villagers and ecologists is still continuing. 

"YK Energy which is co-owned by Limak Holding and IC Holding that you back is misleading the public opinion and sacrificing the Akbelen forest for coal. You should know that the people's interest is much more important than the interest of the companies. You have to hear our voice, take responsibility, and act accordingly. You have to protect Akbelen!" it says. 

"It is a historical and tragic mistake to be prepared to sacrifice a natural sink for fossil fuels while the whole of the Mediterranean basin is struggling against forest fires that cannot be stopped, while heat waves are becoming more unendurable every year when many parts of Turkey are fighting the draught or the floods that are caused by extreme weather conditions," it adds. 

Declaring that they are standing by the İkizköy villagers, the 308 organizations called on the authorities to take "immediate" action. 

The blockade in the Akbelen forest should be lifted, the logging decision should be revoked! The violence and the detentions against those who are exercising their right to protest and trying to protect the forest and their living spaces should be stopped!" the joint appeal demands.  (VC/PE)