Gökova Ecology Assembly Demands Authorities Uphold Coastal Law Amid Alleged Business Occupation

The Gökova Ecology Assembly has issued a public call to authorities regarding the alleged illegal occupation of coastlines in Akyaka, within the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Zone. The assembly stated that for years, commercial businesses have been effectively closing off public access to the beaches, in direct violation of the Turkish Constitution and the Coastal Law.

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Coasts belong to the people, the Constitution must be applied!

In a written statement, the assembly emphasized that coastlines should be open for equal and free use by everyone. They assert that relevant public institutions have failed to fulfill their duties under the constitution and relevant laws. Citing Article 43 of the Constitution and Law No. 3621 on Coastal Areas, the Gökova Ecology Assembly highlighted that coastlines are under the state's jurisdiction and must be used in consideration of public interest.

Despite these legal protections, the assembly claims that public spaces in Akyaka have been practically turned over for private business use, with tables, chairs, platforms, piers, and sunbeds blocking access. Furthermore, some beaches reportedly charge entrance fees, restricting citizens' ability to reach the sea. The Gökova region's status as a Special Environmental Protection Zone is being undermined by these commercial pressures, leading to a loss of its public character, the assembly argued.

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Coasts are not anyone's property; coasts belong to the people. This is not just a conscientious demand, but an order from the Constitution and laws.

The Gökova Ecology Assembly reported that despite years of applications and even court rulings, necessary inspections have not been conducted. They specifically accused the Ula Municipality and the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of failing to meet their constitutional and legal obligations. The assembly is demanding the removal of illegal occupations along the Azmak riverbank, an end to entrance fees at Akçapınar Beach and Çınar Beach, the expansion of public access areas, and administrative sanctions against businesses violating the Coastal Law. They also called for an investigation into public officials who have failed to perform their duties and the full implementation of protection regulations within the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Zone.

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Article 43 of the Constitution clearly stipulates that coasts are under the state's jurisdiction and that public interest must be prioritized in the use of seas and coasts.