Environmental advocates form solidarity network for Marmara region

Environmental advocates from 11 organizations across eight Turkish provinces gathered in Kocaeli for the ‘Marmara Yan Yana: Ecological Rights and Solidarity Meeting’. Hosted by the Armaş Foundation and supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme, the three-day event brought together 22 participants to map ecological pressures affecting the Marmara region.

The participants identified widespread threats stemming from mining, energy, industry, urban development, and agriculture. A central finding was that these various pressures converge on the Marmara Sea, which is reaching its carrying capacity due to coastal industry, deep-sea discharges, port dredging, and fish farming. Despite protection statuses declared after the 2021 mucilage crisis, advocates noted that ecological strain persists.

On land, the group highlighted critical issues including gold mining projects in Kaz Dağları, marble quarries on Marmara Island, shale gas exploration in Thrace, and nuclear power plant plans. The meeting concluded with a decision to transform the ‘Marmara Yan Yana’ initiative into a permanent solidarity network to strengthen local environmental struggles through regional cooperation.