Non-governmental organisations in Turkey and Europe, including environmental and ecological NGO’s – alongside political parties, artists, writers, intellectuals, associations, trade unions and human rights defenders – called for the withdrawal of a proposed Landscape Design Project in Munzur Gözeleri in Dersim, Turkey. ”We cannot allow such an intervention”, they stated.
In their joint statement, the NGO’s asserted that “Munzur Gözeleri, with its valley, river and mountains, is an important symbol of our geography. It has become the clear target of the centre”.
The NGO’s, in urging the centre to withdraw its approval of the Landscape Design Project, stated that “Munzur is at the centre of Alevi-Kızılbaş beliefs. With its nature and unique geology, it has become the new target of the centre. The Project, which is due to be implemented in Munzur Gözeleri, a sacred place for Alevi-Kızılbaş beliefs, is equivalent to intervening in our beliefs, culture and collective memory”.
The NGO’s reiterated that the Munzur Gözeleri was declared to be a ‘first degree Natural Site’ in 2003 and it is under protection with international agreements.
The NGO’s noted that the project is set to proceed without having even undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. The NGO’s stated: “We would like to state that we will not allow any intervention in Munzur Gözeleri’’.