The penalty for picking sand lilies is 387 thousand Turkish Lira.

Endangered endemic sand lilies have started to decorate the beaches in Alanya, a district of Antalya. These rare flowers, for which fines of up to 387,141 TL are imposed for picking, have been protected by surrounding them with stones and fences by environmentalists. The 'sand lily (Pancratium maritimum)', which is protected worldwide by the World Conservation Union due to its rarity and the threat of extinction, has started to adorn the beaches in various regions of Alanya. The fine for picking and exporting the bulbs, which was 244,315 TL last year, has increased to 387,141 TL this year. Sand lilies, especially in Yeşilöz Beach, have been a sight to behold at sunrise. Some environmentalists have surrounded the sand lilies with stones and fences to make them safer.

"I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PROTECT THIS BEACH FOR ABOUT 18 YEARS"

Güldane Şahin, an environmentalist who has been volunteering in the region, said they are fighting to protect the sand lilies. Şahin said, "We have been trying to protect loggerhead sea turtles and sand lilies here for years. Currently, the sand lilies have bloomed beautifully. They look like brides standing in the hot sand. I have been trying to protect this beach for about 18 years, but I want to convey to all the authorities that it needs more professional protection. In addition, the Alanya Nature Conservation Office provides protection cages for loggerhead sea turtles and strips and fences for sand lilies. We are trying to protect our sand lilies by making fences with the materials they provide. Please let's all protect these endemic plants, our nature is our life insurance."