Mehmet Kaş, a member of the Munzur Environment Association, warned that Dêrsim is being emptied of its people through mining, hydroelectric (HES), and solar power (GES) projects. “We must unite in struggle against this massacre,” he said.
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MP Newroz Uysal Aslan conducted an inspection in the Besta region where tree destruction continues, stating, “We observed first hand the ecocide that reflects colonial policies. We demand an end to this situation.”
The tree slaughter, which the Şırnak Governorate said "we have stopped" in the Besta region, continues.
In the Bertûl Valley, which is located on the foothills of Gabar Mountain and attracts attention with its unique nature, the plunder of nature has started with construction equipment.
Since Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli's symbolic handshake with DEM Party MPs on October 1, 2024, a surge in environmental exploitation has been recorded: 2 thousand 207 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) applications have been filed across 24 Kurdish provinces and 192 districts, with 625 projects exempted from full review.
The tree cutting that started in Komate are of Elke district of Şirnex (Şırnak) and extended to Kespiyanîş village was stopped when there were no trees left to cut. Barren land was left behind.
Residents of Kırşehir are strongly opposing plans to open gold mines by Koç Holding and Fernas Construction, fearing the project will dry up natural resources, devastate agriculture and livestock, and cause ecological disasters.
Ecologists supporting the “Peace and Democratic Society Process” have emphasized that the ongoing efforts toward peace also offer a critical opportunity to halt environmental destruction, particularly in war-affected regions like Kurdistan.
The footage of the ongoing deforestation in Besta region and Biliga village revealed the magnitude of the ecological destruction.
EIA process was initiated for 10 new energy projects in Şirnex (Şırnak) and its neighbouring districts.
The vigil against mining activities in Hesendin region continued nightlong.
The fire that broke out in the forest area in Gabar Mountain of Şirnex (Şırnak), where ecological destruction and nature plunder continues, was extinguished.
A forest fire broke out in the Omerya Region due to sparks falling from an electricity pole.
A forest fire that broke out in the wooded area of Mount Gabar has spread over a wide area due to strong winds.
In the final declaration of the Amed (Diyarbakır) Ecology Assembly, it was stated that "It is of vital importance to defend our nature in an organised way with communes, commissions and assemblies to be established in all localities".