Upon the instructions of the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, a comprehensive protection project will be implemented for the Milleyha Bird Sanctuary, located in the Samandağ district of Hatay and attracting attention with its rich biodiversity. Work has been accelerated to protect this important wetland area as a protected area.
The Unique Biodiversity of Milleyha Bird Sanctuary
Covering an area of approximately 300 hectares, Milleyha Bird Sanctuary is located within the borders of the Samandağ district of Hatay and is home to a unique ecosystem. In addition to having a beach where approximately 2000 sea turtles have nested, the region is located on one of the world's most important bird migration routes. Biodiversity studies have revealed that more than 300 plant species, 312 bird species, 27 butterfly species, 7 mammals, 12 reptiles and 4 amphibian species live in Milleyha Bird Sanctuary. The presence of endemic plants, endangered birds and other important species in the area reveals how critical the protection of the region is. The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry registered the 126-hectare area as a "Wetland of Local Importance" on September 6, 2021.
Minister Institution Promises Protection Project
Receiving bird watcher Emin Yoğurtcuoğlu, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum announced that a comprehensive protection project will be created for the Milleyha Bird Sanctuary. Minister Kurum said, “It will be a complete protection project, an environmental and nature protection project. And the main thing is that we will be carrying out this process together with a protection decision regarding the protection of endemic species and living things there.” This statement shows that the steps to be taken for the protection of the region will be continued with determination.
Site Works Have Started
Upon the instructions of the Minister, a detailed study was initiated by the General Directorate of Protection of Natural Assets to protect the area with the "wetland" qualification as a protected area. The entire area will be declared a natural protected area in order to meticulously protect it together with its surroundings. In this way, human activities will be managed in a controlled manner within the scope of the legislation and the natural structure of the area will be protected.
Ecologically Based Scientific Research Report is Being Prepared
In the preliminary report prepared within the scope of ongoing studies coordinated by scientists, it was stated that the area, which hosts threatened flora and fauna species, is an important breeding ground especially for green sea turtles. In addition, it was determined that 62 bird species belonging to 284 families, 24 butterflies, 7 mammals, 12 reptiles and 3 frog species live in the region. In line with this preliminary report, an “Ecological Based Scientific Research Report” will be prepared for the region. This report will provide a scientific basis for conservation efforts by revealing the ecological structure of the region in detail. The protection of Milleyha Bird Sanctuary is of great importance not only for the living species in the region, but also for global biodiversity.
