A lawsuit is being filed against geothermal resource exploration activities that threaten the Izmir Gediz Delta

Gediz Delta, whose UNESCO World Natural Heritage Nomination is discussed, is facing the threat of Geothermal Regional Heating and Thermal Health Resource Exploration Project. Doğa Association, EGEÇEP and Izmir Bar Association are preparing to file a lawsuit against the decision of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change “Environmental Impact Assessment is Not Required”.

Gediz Delta, located on the city periphery of Izmir, is one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean Basin with its biodiversity. KORDELION İŞLETMELERİ A.Ş. It is planned to open two drilling wells in this internationally important area to implement the geothermal resource exploration project.

The project, whose EIA process started in 2021, was blocked by the Izmir Regional Commission for the Protection of Natural Assets No. 2 due to its location in the Gediz Delta. Following the positive outcome of the lawsuit filed by the company for the annulment of this decision, the opinion of the commission was consulted again and a positive decision was taken. When the project was brought back to the agenda, the decision “Environmental Impact Assessment is Not Required” was made on 23.01.2024.

The project is located in the Sustainable Protection and Controlled Use Area within the borders of the Natural Protected Area in the Delta and the Controlled Use Zone within the Wetland protection borders. It is also predicted that the delta will have an impact on the region within the borders of the Ramsar site.

It will negatively affect the habitats of flamingos

The delta, one of the 305 Important Natural Areas in Turkey, also includes the internationally important Ramsar Site, natural protected area, wildlife development area and wetland protection areas in Turkey. The area, where 18-20 thousand pairs of flamingos breed every year, hosts 10% of the world’s flamingo population.

The area where the boreholes will be opened is a feeding area for young and adult flamingos. According to the results of research conducted by the Nature Association in recent years, approximately 70% of the flamingos living in the Delta feed on the southern shores of the delta, which includes the project site. The project area is one of the areas where the stilt bird, which is on the Annex-2 list of strictly protected species within the scope of the Convention on the Protection of European Wildlife and Habitats (Bern), to which Turkey is a party, can be observed most closely in its nesting area and natural environment. Bird species such as yellow wagtail, ringed lark, crested lark and mallard also breed in the area. Spurred lapwing, little egret, great egret, flamingo, and thin-billed gull are the species that are regularly seen, feeding and resting in the area throughout the year. Winter migrants such as the green dunker, little sandpiper and black-bellied sandpiper meet their food needs in the shallow waters and muddy surfaces here.

If the project is realized, the birds that breed and feed in the area will be harmed, and the lives of many bird species whose habitats are rapidly disappearing will be in danger.

“The globally important Gediz Delta should not be riddled with drilling wells.”

Dicle Tuba Kılıç, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Doğa Association, stated that the Gediz Delta is of importance not only for Izmir but also worldwide, and said in her statement on the subject: “Gediz Delta is protected by both national and international statutes and agreements. Our research in recent years has revealed that the southern shores of the delta, that is, the part almost intertwined with the province of Izmir, are much more important for endangered birds than thought. Wet meadows, mud flats and coastal areas, which are thought to be insignificant in this region, are vital for the life of many birds. “It is against law, science and conscience to insist so much on a geothermal resource exploration project in this globally important region.” He said and added, “We are in a period where wetlands are being destroyed at an alarming rate. While it is necessary to protect and repair wetlands, which enable the reproduction, nutrition and survival of many living creatures, projects to the contrary are unacceptable. The region specified as the project site, where 2 wells are desired to be drilled, is important both nationally and internationally in terms of biodiversity, and is one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean Basin. “We will file our case and do whatever is necessary to ensure the survival of the Gediz Delta and the cancellation of the geothermal resource exploration project here.”