1,000 decares of land reduced to ashes in Mersin's Bird Paradise: 'Fires are being set intentionally'

It has been reported that nearly 1,000 decares of land were destroyed in a fire that broke out in the reed beds in Silifke, where the Bird Paradise is located. The fire started for reasons yet to be determined within the borders of Kum Neighborhood. Due to the marshy nature of the region, it was not possible to intervene in the fire. It was noted that the flames died out on their own in the morning hours.

The fires that occur almost every year in the Göksu Delta have drawn the reaction of environmentalists. Nature and wildlife photographer Nadir Köksoy reminded that the region was placed under protection in 1994 within the scope of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar).

Stating that the protection decision taken for the region is still insufficient, Köksoy made the following remarks:

'Fires, especially those that break out on windy nights, continue until morning without being extinguished. Because it is a marshy area, it cannot be intervened in. Some people are intentionally setting fires to open the region up for zoning.'

Emphasizing that the Göksu Delta is an important habitat for endemic plants and bird species in danger of extinction, Köksoy expressed the following:

''Species such as sea daffodils and purple swamphens live in the areas affected by the fire. This place is one of Turkey's important migration routes for birds. We want these fires to stop now and to prevent the death of thousands of birds in every fire.''

DEMAND FROM ENVIRONMENTALISTS TO PROTECT THE REGION

Environmentalists who closely follow the Göksu argued that the frequent fires in the region threaten natural life. Activists stated that urgent measures must be taken to prevent the fires and to protect the region more effectively.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GÖKSU DELTA

The Göksu Delta is considered one of the wetlands of international importance. Located in the Silifke district of Mersin, the delta covers an area of 10,000 hectares.

The region, which hosts 334 of the 450 bird species living in Turkey, also harbors many endemic plant species. Located on the coastal plain formed by the Göksu River, the delta is known for its natural beauty and biological diversity.

Pointing out that the Göksu Delta is of great importance for the local people, environmentalists emphasized that the delta is extremely important in terms of both ecological balance and biological diversity.