Court Marks A Leading Decision On Environment Protection

A court decision has cancelled the mining authorization document and a report declaring "environmental impact assessment report (ÇED) was not necessary" at the cedar-rich Kızılcık upland in Finike district of Antalya, after efforts of environmentalists and villagers.

This decision marked a first, as the case showed it was a constitutional right to protect the environment.

Environmentalist organizations, along with 50 villagers, have filed a claim against the decision of the Antalya Governorate and the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, following their joint report easing mining works in the region and blocking the way of environmental impact assessment report (ÇED).

Expert reports have approved the necessity of an assessment report, regarding the ecological vulnerability of the natural area, and urged the mining company has not sufficiently investigated the potential environmental effects of the stone quarry, in its project report.

The court has recently announced its decision to cancel the mining authorization report and the decision declaring "ÇED was not necessary".

"This was the first case, regarding environmental legislation, which was cancelled without a motion for stay of execution" said the environmental associations.

While the decision is expected to hinder future "environmental massacres" in Turkey, activists are set to bring suits against similar attempts across the country. Also, around 15 marble and stone quarries will face legal procedures, which will free the green areas and living creatures hosted by these cedars, and ease the concerns of villagers, producers.

(Photo) - Antalya