Kırklareli Nature and Culture Association (DOKU) Chairman Göksel Çidem's statement titled "Two Sides of the Same Mountain" is as follows;
“While one side is protected by its nature, culture and traditions, the other side is heading towards extinction, so to speak. While the Bulgarian side is celebrating the 29th anniversary of the protection of Strandjas by playing bagpipes and drums, alarm bells are ringing on our side. The components of alarm bells are exploding dynamites - crushing and screening plants - heavy construction machines, huge trucks, wind power plants that never stop making noise 7/24.
While these destroy natural habitats, new tender announcements continue to arrive. From the resources in the Istranca forests that feed the Longoz forests to the agricultural lands where we produce agricultural products.
Everywhere is a project area, without thinking about the future or those who will live in the future. This is called investment-employment. The same thing was said 40 years ago about the dirty industry coming to Ergene resources. Just because we bring you AŞ-İŞ. The result is obvious. Vanishing Ergene, polluted lands.
1/3 OF STRANGES ARE IN BULGARIA. 2/3 IN TURKEY
Istrancalar is not only important for Kırklareli and the Ergene basin. It is also very important for Istanbul, where approximately 20% of the country's population lives. It is the windpipe and drinking water source of Istanbul.
The fact that Istrancalar serves as a bridge between two continents due to its location, that it served as a shelter for species during the past glacial periods, and that it has different climatic conditions and different ecosystems are the main reasons for the biodiversity richness of Strandjalar.
In short, it is one of the natural forests and is one of the areas that must be protected in Europe and our country, where natural life continues.
How the two countries look at Istranca and how they protect it is as different as Black and White.
The Bulgarian side is celebrating the 24th anniversary of its protection on January 2024, 29, with the events they hold every year. Our greatest wish is that both sides of Istranca will have many more years to come with its nature, culture, social and natural life.
Bulgaria Istarnca Park is the largest protected area in Bulgaria and also the largest Bulgarian Natural Park, covering 1% of the country's territory. It is a biosphere reserve area. Bulgarian Strandjas is 1161 km2 and 21 settlements are located within its borders. Strandjas of Türkiye is 1970 km2.
Strandzha Nature Park has the greatest potential to become a Bulgarian biosphere park, as it is an example of the successful coexistence of man and nature, protected environment, preserved traditions and cultural and historical monuments, and has centuries-old traditions and traditions within the scope of its social structure, culture, beliefs. Local and central governments provide great support to keep their traditions alive.
VIEW POINT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SAME MOUNTAIN
Little Vulture habitat was declared a protected area. It occupies part of the southern slopes of the Veleka river valley. 109 Ha for Little Vulture. It has been declared a protected area.
Our Doku Association field team detected the first active vulture nest in Thrace in many years and reported it to the relevant institutions. The breeding-feeding-raising and living area was found in a region close to our city center. She raised a brood and migrated in the autumn.
However, it is desired to install RES in the area close to the vulture nest and covering the living area. We conveyed the opinions and scientific evaluations we received from local and foreign experts to the relevant institutions. If RES is installed in that region, the only vulture nest in Thrace will be destroyed. While our neighbor declared an area of 1090 decares as a protected area for a small vulture, we will produce energy by ignoring the vulture.
Studies on the feeding areas of the little vulture show that the area used by the species to feed is 9.8 km. This area should be declared a protected area immediately.
Thrace's only little vulture nest will be in danger, and one of the last refuges of a species already in danger of global extinction will disappear.
It is not just the vulture nest that will be destroyed...
The eagle owl is the largest owl species. Kolkata Protected Area (18.9 ha) in Strandjas, Bulgaria was declared to protect the nest of a pair of eagle owls.
In Bulgaria, an area of 189 decares where the nest is located is declared a protected area to protect it. Doku Association field team detected an eagle owl nest in Çağlayık village.
Our team followed the nest without disturbing the creatures. What didn't happen after that? In the EIA report prepared for the dam project, when those who prepared the "blasted rock quarry" report on the rock where the nest is located work on maps at the desk, they take out the eyes of the creatures we take care of with the EIA reports they prepared in an arranged manner.
We warned all relevant institutions about Puhu and Akbaba. We are following. We will take all necessary legal action on national and international platforms to protect species that are under absolute protection under international agreements and on the red list.
These are what's happening when you look at both sides of the border. Perspectives on nature of people on both sides of the mountain who get wet in the same cloud, hear the sound of the same bird, breathe the same air, drink the same water.
The situation of Istranca people in our country is a complete devastation. While on the opposite side it says "watch out for animals", on the Turkish side it says "watch out for trucks".
There are animals on one side of the same forest and trucks on the other.
ECO CRIMINATION IS EXPERIENCED IN OUR MOUNTAINS AND FORESTS
We are living in the Stone Age, so to speak.
Urgent steps should be taken to leave the Stone Age as soon as possible and to protect the Owl, Vulture, Tree, Turtle, Wolf, Roe Deer, Ant, Bushes, in short, all living creatures living in Istranca, like our neighbors, as a whole.
"Unconditionally declaring Istrancalar, one of the most important areas in Europe, as a protected area, without further destruction and wildlife extinction, as a source of life for future generations, is the most important investment to be made for the future and the most valuable legacy to be left."
