Istanbul's lungs, the Belgrade Forest, under great threat: Mountains of trash and the betrayal of barbecue permits
With extreme heat affecting Istanbul, the piles of trash appearing in the Belgrade Forest, where fire risk is increasing, have drawn backlash. The decision to allow barbecues in the forest has also become the focus of criticism, while footage recorded by athlete Merve Güney has once again brought the pollution in nature to the agenda.
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In these days when extreme heat is prevalent, the Belgrade Forest, one of the breathing points for Istanbulites, is on the brink of an irreversible disaster due to a chain of indifference and negligence. The mountains of trash forming in the forest and the "barbecue permit" that pushes the fire risk to its peak are drawing great reaction from citizens.
The destruction of nature and pollution occurring in the Belgrade Forest have reached dimensions that are shameful to humanity. Footage recorded by athlete Merve Güney, who was training in the area, once again revealed the pitiful state of the forest. The mountains of trash left in nature by insensitive individuals detached from social values have horrified those who see them.
THE REAL DANGER: BARBECUE PERMITS DURING EXTREME HEAT
In addition to environmental pollution, it is stated that the element putting the forest in real danger is the "barbecue permit" issued by the authorities. Warnings are being issued that even a single spark could lead to a disaster during the most high-risk season for forest fires, especially on days when scorching temperatures are experienced. Despite all these risks, the incomprehensible indifference of the authorities on this issue and the "Barbecues Allowed" practice, which practically invites fire, have drawn great backlash.
CAMPAIGN CALL AND THOSE RESPONSIBLE
Not remaining silent in the face of the scene she encountered, athlete Merve Güney called for an urgent campaign to put an end to this treacherous picture and to protect the forest.
This series of destruction and risks has turned eyes directly toward the institutions responsible for the maintenance, security, and administration of the area. Nature lovers and citizens are urgently calling on the institutions primarily responsible for the protection of the Belgrade Forest to take action. The authorized institutions that undertake the administrative and conservation responsibility of the area are as follows:
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
General Directorate of Forestry (OGM)
Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry
Bahçeköy Forest Management Directorate
General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP)