Coastal forest is being destroyed in Iskele for development — says Yeşil Barış Hareketi

The Yeşil Barış Hareketi movement has made serious accusations regarding the destruction of a coastal forest area in the Iskele region. The case concerns 21 dönüms of forest land located directly by the sea.

According to the movement’s statement, the plot was leased for 10 years at a price of about 40 dollars per dönüm, amounting to 840 dollars per year. The lease, it is claimed, was arranged by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Environmentalists emphasize that under the Master Development Plan, these forest areas are completely closed to any activity not related to forestry. Despite this, the Department of Urban Planning granted approval for the project, and the Iskele municipality issued a construction permit.

At the same time, according to the Forestry Department, tree cutting on the leased land is prohibited; however, as Yeşil Barış Hareketi claims, about 10 dönüms of forest have already been completely destroyed.

The movement reports serious public discontent over what is happening and accuses the authorities of ignoring public interests. “If trees had a voice, they would speak,” the statement says.