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The Bargilya Saltpan (the Saltpan Wetland), a host to hundreds of bird species, is facing the danger of being destroyed due to the “tourism city” project, namely, the “Net Holding-Ağaoğlu project” as it is reflected in the press, planned to be built next to the saltpan.

However;

One of the last lagoons which is still alive in Turkey, the Bargilya Saltpan provides a sheltering, feeding and resting ground for tens of migrating bird species, while also being the permanent habitat of hundreds of bird species. Thanks to the uninterruptedly and periodically ongoing observation records since 1990, it is known that the area is the habitat of 96 different waterbird species. This number is over 200 species including songbirds and raptors. This amazing diversity is not a coincidence! The wetland is a rare natural area which constitutes a whole with the subterranean and surface streams, the terrestrial ecosystem and the vegetation that surrounds it. The life of the wetland depends on and requires its conservation as a whole!

The region also hosts historical and cultural heritage such as the ancient cities of Bargylia and Cyndia. It offers an opportunity of living by providing food, shelter and a safeguarded harbour for the Aegean peoples for thousands of years. Supporting the existence of the fish species in the Güllük Gulf today, the Bargilya Saltpan also inhibits the inland advancement of water due to the sea level rise caused by the global climate change, thus preventing the salinization of Milas’ and Bodrum’s drinking, utility and irrigation water. On the other hand, the Bargilya Saltpan, which is an important carbon sink area, and the natural habitats surrounding it ensure the gathering of ground waters, the purification of dirty waters and the moderation of climate.

Such an area is facing the danger of being destroyed because of the “Tourism City” project.