The breeding ground of loggerhead sea turtles, also known as caretta carettas, on Mugla’s Iztuzu Beach has been declared as a protected area.
The governor of the Mugla province, Amir Cicek, said, “The breeding area of sea turtles in Iztuzu Beach has been taken under the government’s protection. During the season, sunbeds will not be allowed in this area. We are very sensitive about maintaining the natural habitats and reproduction cycles of these turtles.”
After examining the wooden buffets on the beach as well as the area that sea turtles lay their eggs, Cicek said there are no illegal housing structures on the beach. Cicek gave a statement to reporters following his examination and assured concerned individuals and groups that the natural beauties and ecological system of Iztuzu Beach will be protected and preserved.
Stressing that the beach’s management will not be assigned to any private companies, Cicek said, “The Dalyan and Iztuzu Beaches are two of the most beautiful places in Turkey.”
He underscored that the contributions made by these places to regional tourism are incredibly important. The beach, which hosts every shade of blue and green, is also the home of the loggerhead sea turtles.
The governor emphasized that tourist activities are being conducted without destroying natural habitats of these sea turtles. Cicek also claimed that foreign and Turkish tourists come to Dalyan for both its nature and to rest. In the beginning of the January, activist held a sit-in near Iztuzu beach against the privatization of the famed beach. The protest ended after a court ordered the suspension of the privatization process.
Source Daily Sabah
