ECOLOGY

Latest News

• Urfa and Van bars react to mining plans in olive groves 

  Bar associations in Urfa and Van reacted to the draft law allowing mining activities in olive groves and natural areas.
• Forest fires continue in Izmir and Manisa 

  The forest fire that broke out in the wooded area between Kuyucak in Izmir’s Menderes district and Orhanlı in Seferihisar district is continuing into its third day. In Manisa, forest fires that started in two different locations are also ongoing.
• Forest fire in Mardin countryside brought under control  

  After hours of firefighting, the forest fire in the Omerya region near Nusaybin has been brought under control. The fire spread rapidly on Sunday amid strong winds, destroying several hundred hectares of forest.
• Thousands evacuated amid severe forest fires in Izmir 

  Severe forest fires are raging in the Turkish coastal province of Izmir. Strong winds, high temperatures, and dry vegetation are making it difficult for firefighters to battle the flames.
• Water politics in the Tigris basin – A view from South Kurdistan  

  Anuradha Jangra from Jawaharlal Nehru University stated that the water policies of Turkey and Iran affect Southern Kurdistan and Iraq.
• Mulberry molasses season begins in Bingöl 

  Women in Bingöl are once again preparing mulberry molasses, turning the summer harvest into a source of livelihood.
• Deforestation for the construction of a military post in Yazidi village in İdil sparks protests 

  In the historical Yazidi village of Kiwex near İdil, construction of a new military post has begun. While trees in forest areas are cleared, villagers criticize the encroachment on nature and property.
• Forest regeneration begins in Şêxan after years of tree cutting 

  The forest in Şêxan is beginning to recover as greenery returns to the area following two years of relentless tree cutting.
• Decrease in the Euphrates River water level increases pollution rate 

  According to a report by the National Water Center, pollution levels have increased by 5% due to the decrease in the water level of the Euphrates River. The Raqqa Water Directorate is taking measures to address this situation.
• Glaciers in Hakkari under threat from ‘Cilo Fest’  

  Despite warnings from experts and local residents, preparations for the ‘Cilo Fest’ have already caused damage to the historic and sensitive natural environment in glacier areas of Hakkari.
• Amed Ecology Council announces its establishment "to create a common ground for struggle" 

  The Amed Ecology Council advocates the construction of democratic, ecological, and women's libertarian social structures to overcome the crisis between society and nature.
• New images of ecological destruction on Mount Gabar 

  As deforestation continues on Mount Gabar, spreading to new areas, new images show logs stacked 3 kilometers long.
• Forest fires in Mardin and Şırnak 

  A forest fire has been brought under control in Mazıdağı, Mardin. Shortly afterwards, another fire broke out near the historic fortress. Emergency services are continuing to battle the flames, including with firefighting helicopters.
• 2nd Mesopotamian Water Forum to be held in Amed in October 

  The 2nd Mesopotamian Water Forum will be held in October 2025 in Amed (Diyarbakır). The forum will address water and water-related issues in the basins of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• March in Dersim against pumice mining project 

  A mass march was held by the Sekasur Environmental and Nature Platform to protest the planned pumice mining project in Dersim’s Hozat and Pertek districts.
• Zeki Irmez: A systematic ecocide is unfolding in Botan 

  Zeki Irmez denounced the state-led deforestation in Botan as a deliberate and systematic act of ecocide.
• Kurdish conservationist Hana Raza receives Wayfinder Award 2025 

  Biologist Hana Raza is honored with the prestigious Wayfinder Award from the National Geographic Society for her tireless efforts to protect endangered species in Iraq and the Kurdistan region.
• Protests against planned mining in Dersim: A deliberate intervention in the collective memory 

  Protests are mounting in Dersim against a planned project to mine pumice and sand. Residents and environmental groups warn of environmental destruction, cultural loss, and the threat of depopulation and have taken legal action.
• DEM Party: We will defend nature against climate destruction and ecocide 

  The Ecology, Agriculture and Animal Rights Commission of the DEM Party emphasized in a statement on World Environment Day, whose theme this year is “plastic pollution,” that they will defend nature against climate destruction and ecocide.
• Villagers protest tree cutting in Beytüşebap 

  Residents of Beşağaç say trees are vital to life and reject the cutting permit issued under the guise of “renewal and security.”
• DBP and DEM Party celebrate Gezi resistance on its 12th anniversary 

  The co-chairs of the DBP and the DEM Party issued statements marking the 12th anniversary of the Gezi resistance.
• Water crisis deepens in Iraq: Lowest level in 80 years  

  Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources has announced that the country's water reserves have fallen to their lowest level in 80 years.
• Drilling in pastureland aims to force local migration 

  Ahmet Fidan condemned oil and mineral drilling in Lice's pasturelands.
• Images of the destruction on Mount Gabar 

  The environmental damage caused by tree felling, mining, and oil exploration on Mount Gabar has been documented.
• TEV-EKO: A people’s struggle for self-defense is taking on a new form 

  TEV-EKO called the PKK congress a turning point and said the people’s self-defense struggle is entering a new phase.