Antalya, Turkey, Gathered in the Evening to Protest Coastal Concretization and Sea Pollution, Demanding Solutions for Shoreline in Türkiye

The demonstration was organized by the Finike TORAÇDER and the Western Mediterranean Hoteliers and Tourism Operators Association (BAOTİD). Association President Önder Akülkü said at the press statement: "We are here to protect our sea, our beach, and our future. Today we are talking about rock walls, concretization, and sea pollution on the Finike coast.

We say it openly: the Antalya Governorate has been insufficient in inspecting businesses on the Finike coast. Akülkü noted that TORAÇDER had previously collected 2,500 signatures for the Finike coast to be operated and inspected locally by the Finike Municipality, but this demand was not taken into account. He added: "We see that a model similar to the MUÇEV model discussed in Muğla is being run through the AYDAŞ company in Antalya with a corporate logic.

The Finike beaches belong to the people of Finike. The word and discretion over our beaches and bays must rest with the people of Finike. "Today, walls of giant rock blocks are rising on the beach where Caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs.

On one hand we protect turtle nests with cages; on the other hand we intervene in the natural beach where they nest. We build concrete walls. Protecting the egg is not enough; we must also protect the beach, he said.

Akülkü directed questions to the Antalya Governorate and Finike District Governorate: "Under what permit are these walls being built? Who allowed concretization on the beach? Were impacts on turtle nesting areas investigated?

Article 43 of our Constitution is clear: public benefit must be prioritized in using coasts. A business can be permitted; but the coast cannot be given away. He also demanded scientific investigation into recent sea pollution and dead fish sightings: "We want the causes of sea pollution and dead fish seen on our shores recently to be scientifically investigated and results announced to the public.

For us tourism professionals, this coast is vital. Protecting nature is protecting Finike's tourism future. Akülkü called for stopping concretization on the coast and highlighted fishermen's unresolved problems: "Investigate sea pollution.

Protect Carettas and our beach. Our seafarers and fishermen in Finike have important problems awaiting solutions. The shortage of boat mooring and haul-out areas has persisted for years; boat hauling areas promised earlier have still not been implemented.

We expect from our public institutions an approach that produces solutions, helps, and facilitates rather than complicating problems. Seafaring and fishing are part of Finike's past, culture, and future. Our seas are our Blue Homeland; protecting Blue Homeland means protecting its workers and seafarers.

Coasts belong to the people! Coasts are not rent areas; Finike beaches belong to Finike's people, he concluded.