Former President of the Biologists Association, Hasan Sarpten, recently took to social media to voice his concern over the ongoing activities of the Lapta – Alsancak-Çamlıbel (LAÇ) Municipality at Güzelyalı beach, a critical nesting ground for turtles.
Sarpten highlighted the municipality’s initial damage to the natural beach through interventions like building breakwaters. Now, they’re attempting to create a new beach by dumping and spreading sand brought from elsewhere, a move met with strong opposition from Sarpten.
Expressing his dismay, Sarpten criticised the municipality’s approach, likening it to the past felling of pine trees. He emphasised the significance of Güzelyalı beach and its delicate ecosystem, emphasising the need for responsible conservation efforts.
Sarpten’s statement underscores the lack of consultation with relevant authorities, including the Environmental Protection Agency responsible for turtle conservation in the area. He decries the destruction of the natural landscape followed by misguided attempts at rehabilitation, labelling it as detrimental to the country’s environmental well-being.
In summary, Sarpten’s remarks shed light on the importance of preserving natural habitats like Güzelyalı beach and the imperative for sustainable development practices that prioritise environmental conservation.
