The mining industry in the Sarialin region in Turkey
Stolen Roots: A Mother’s Fight for the Land That Once Sustained Her Family –
“I want to see my land… We had land with pistachio trees, and this was our additional income to survive. Now, we have nothing,”
One of the women lamented, her voice filled with sorrow and defiance. She, like many others in the @Sarıalan region of Turkey, has lost her land to the mining project initiated by CVK @Mining A.Ş. This land, once a source of sustenance and livelihood, has been taken without authorization, leaving the local community devastated.
During my visit, I joined this group of determined women in their fight against the opening of the mine. On this day, we tried to enter the mining site to measure the land that had been seized. Our goal was to document the extent of the encroachment, but unfortunately, we were stopped in our tracks. The police arrived in less than 10 minutes, preventing us from carrying out the measurements.
The mine, which spans over 9133 acres, poses a severe threat to the environment and the well-being of the local population. The project includes open-pit and underground mining operations, dangerously close to villages like Sarıalan and @Gökçeyazı. The use of hazardous chemicals and the storage of toxic waste further exacerbates the risks, endangering both the health of the residents and the natural resources they rely on.
This mining venture not only disrupts the livelihoods of those who depended on their land for agriculture, like the pistachio groves, but it also poses a significant risk to the health and safety of the entire region. The local citizens, particularly these resilient women, continue to fight for their right to a safe and healthy environment, refusing to let their voices be silenced despite the immense challenges they face.
Defending the Defenders: Empowering Environmental Advocates in the Western Balkans Against the Mining Industry
Environmental defenders in the Western Balkans face significant challenges in their efforts to protect the environment, especially when confronting the powerful interests of the mining industry. These defenders—often local activists, community leaders, or civil society organizations—work tirelessly to safeguard natural resources, local ecosystems, and public health. However, they frequently encounter threats, harassment, and legal obstacles, primarily due to the lack of formal recognition and protections afforded to them.
Soon, training for journalists from the Western Balkans and Turkey, organised by Journalists for Human Rigths and EARTHWORKS will focus on empowering media professionals to cover the mining industry and advocate for the rights of environmental defenders. This training will bring together 35 journalists who will learn how to report on the ecological and health impacts of mining and the rights of those who resist environmentally destructive practices. They are crucial in bringing these issues to light and holding mining companies accountable.
Environmental defenders in the region are often an informal group of concerned citizens and NGOs, lacking the formal protections usually provided by labour laws or organized trade unions. Despite this, they have rights under international human rights frameworks, including freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. Defenders have the right to organize protests, file lawsuits, and advocate against mining activities that harm their communities. However, many face repressive tactics, such as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which are aimed at silencing them, as well as intimidation and violence.
To secure their rights, environmental defenders need stronger legal frameworks and policies that ensure their right to participate in decision-making processes about mining projects. Governments must uphold their obligations under international agreements, such as the Aarhus Convention, which guarantees access to information, public participation, and access to justice in environmental matters. It is also crucial that defenders form stronger alliances with journalists, lawyers, and international organizations to amplify their voices and ensure their rights are respected. Collaboration with investigative journalists, like those participating in the upcoming training, can be a powerful tool in exposing unlawful practices by mining companies and advocating for the defenders’ right to organize and protect their communities.
Between Gold Mines and Olive Groves: The Tale of Edremit and Akçay
Just a hundred kilometers north of Edremit and Akçay, a different battle rages on. In the Kaz Mountains, local citizens are fiercely opposing the excavation of copper and gold, fearing the irreversible damage it could cause to their environment. Yet, in Edremit and Akçay, life revolves around the rich soil, not for what lies beneath, but for what grows above—olive trees and the lifeblood they provide to the local economy.
Nestled on the Aegean coast, Edremit and Akçay have become thriving hubs for tourism. Blessed with stunning landscapes, a mild climate, and a deep cultural heritage, these towns have seen a steady influx of visitors. The tourism boom has not only brought economic growth, but has also reshaped the towns, blending modernity with tradition.
Local businesses flourish, with cafes, restaurants, and boutique hotels dotting the coastline. The tourism sector provides employment for many, from seasonal workers to those running family-owned enterprises.Beyond tourism, the olive groves of Edremit and Akçay are a testament to the region’s agricultural heritage. Olive oil production here is more than just an economic activity—it’s a tradition passed down through generations. The fertile land, coupled with the ideal climate, produces some of the finest olive oil in Turkey, earning the region a well-deserved reputation.
The story of Edremit and Akçay is one of contrasts. While these towns thrive on tourism and olive oil production, just a short distance away, communities are embroiled in a fight to protect their land from the extractive industries. The tension between development and preservation is palpable, with each region facing its unique set of challenges.
As Edremit and Akçay continue to grow, the question remains: how can they balance economic development with environmental sustainability? The answer may lie in the very heart of their olive groves, where tradition and innovation coexist, and where the community’s spirit of cooperation could serve as a model for sustainable progress.Edremit and Akçay stand as examples of how local economies can thrive by embracing their natural and cultural heritage. Yet, as they look to the future, the choices they make will determine whether they can preserve the essence of what makes them special. In a world where the pressures of development often overshadow the importance of sustainability, these towns offer a glimpse into a more balanced way of life—one that values both the olive tree and the land it grows on.
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