Wetlands given legal protection
LEGISLATION to preserve the TRNC’s wetlands and the diverse biological life they are home to has come into force.
The country’s Environmental Protection Department announced on Thursday that as a result of the new regulations, 34 wetland areas, including some which are home to many birds and other species and are of “international importance”, will now be protected.
They include wetlands near the Haspolat wastewater treatment plant, a favourite place for migrating flamingos.
Green Action Group secretary general Doğan Sahir welcomed the move, but said it was not enough.
He said that many wetlands and river beds are already under threat due to construction, pollution and “destructive cleaning methods”.
Mr Sahir noted that the TRNC already has more than 100 legal regulations related to the environment but that a lack of enforcement and tough penalties means their effect is limited.