The Kırşehir Conservation Platform has reacted to the reduction of the Seyfe Lake conservation area.

The determination of the boundaries of new areas continues throughout the country with Presidential decisions. In this context, the boundaries of Seyfe Lake Nature Reserve Area in Kırşehir have been redefined. According to the 3rd article of the National Parks Law No. 2873, the boundaries of Seyfe Lake Nature Reserve Area located within the borders of Kırşehir province, Mucur district, have been redefined as shown in the attached map and coordinate list. The relevant decision was officially published in the Official Gazette dated September 15, 2024, with the signature of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and came into effect.

"AN INVASION TO OUR HOMES"

Mustafa Düger, the President of Kırşehir Protection Platform, used the expression "An invasion to our homes" in his statement regarding the reduction of the conservation area of Seyfe Lake. Düger stated that the halving of the conservation area was done to facilitate the activities of gold mining companies and that this is unacceptable. Düger stated in his statement: "Is halving the conservation area of Seyfe Lake not an invasion attempt to our homes? As Kırşehir Protection Platform, we appeal to those who open and close their eyes with dollar bills; protecting nature is more ethical and humane than your dollars. What kind of mind reduces the conservation area of a dying bird paradise for gold mining companies to drown our lands in cyanide? The duty of the state is to protect, not to oppress like a nightmare. The government has now decided to oppress Seyfe, and this mistake must be immediately corrected."

A CALL TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Düger also made an open call to AK Party and CHP members of parliament in Kırşehir, asking them to put an end to this massacre and plunder and raise their voices. He asked, "Isn't it a sign of betrayal to these lands that the ruling party's deputy acts as if he has no knowledge of the mine and silently watches the death sentence?". Düger invited the people of Kırşehir to prevent this harassment and invasion attempt on their lands and stated that they have had discussions about filing a lawsuit for the cancellation of this decision with the municipality and professional chambers. He said, "We will inform about this issue rapidly, we call on all political parties, let's stand shoulder to shoulder against this invasion attempt. No one is greater than Kırşehir," he said. Düger's statements carry an important call in terms of protecting nature and defending the rights of the local people. Kırşehir Protection Platform will continue to inform the public for more information and support on this matter.

CRITICISM FROM ÖZGÜR ÖZEL

Speaking in Manyas district of Balıkesir, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel criticized the reduction of Seyfe Lake's conservation area and its conversion into a gold mining area. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who visited Manyas Mayor Ahmet Duru in his office, made statements to the press there. Özel said, "Unfortunately, we are in great sorrow. We have told our lawyers. Our MPs who are lawyers and our party's lawyers are preparing a quick response to this decision. Regarding this decision made by the President, looking at its scope, we will take quick action in the Constitutional Court, especially in the Council of State and the Regional Administrative Court."

"WE WILL REMOVE AK PARTY'S VULTURES FROM THERE"

Using the expression "Vultures flock to where flamingos go," Özgür Özel continued his words as follows:

'While Seyfe Lake is a safe area for flamingos for both breeding and accommodation, we will not leave it to vultures, AK Party's vultures. Let everyone know this. They cannot protect the lake, they cannot protect the bird paradise there, and because of themselves, they immediately take the shrinkage outside the conservation area and turn it into a gold mining area. There is more than just bad intentions here. A truly impartial court should judge those who made this decision, those who made them make this decision, and those who search for gold there for treason against the country. This is not acceptable. We will oppose with all our might. We will follow it with the responsibility of being the main opposition party of the country. People will see that we are making every effort in this regard as soon as possible. This is also a bird paradise. We send greetings from here, Manyas, and we will remove the vultures, AK Party's vultures, from there. We will do our best," he said.