The local communities of Milas and Yatağan in Muğla province of Turkey, have been living under the destructive impacts of Yeniköy, Kemerköy and Yatağan coal-fired power plants and coal mines for four decades. Now the last natural area, Akbelen Forest, with its trees, bushes, birds, thyme and mushrooms, is under the threat of an expanding open-pit lignite mine.

The villagers of İkizköy are demanding an immediate end to clearing operations and the cancellation of the mining operation permit for the 740-decare Akbelen Forest. They say they will continue their sit-in until their demands are met. Their resistance is a beacon of hope for people in Turkey enduring widespread fires and floods. 

We want to stand with the people of İkizköy, who have endured the destructive impacts of the 3 coal power plants and mines for four decades, and are fighting for what remains of their forests, olive groves and farming lands

Let’s help save the Akbelen forest, sign the petition!

More information:

Read our blog ‘Akbelen struggle gives hope in these difficult days’, click here.