Latest on Gulf Transition Project

Aegean Environment and Culture Platform (EGEÇEP), Doga Association, Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) filed an annulment action for the suspension bridge project which is planned to be constructed as a part of İzmir Gulf Transition Project. We interviewed attorney of EGEÇEP, Ali Arif Cangı, about the latest news on the project. […]

Aegean Environment and Culture Platform (EGEÇEP), Doga Association, Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) filed an annulment action for the suspension bridge project which is planned to be constructed as a part of İzmir Gulf Transition Project.

We interviewed attorney of EGEÇEP, Ali Arif Cangı, about the latest news on the project.

What does the gulf transition project cover? Why is it objected?

The project covers a 12 km highway, 16 km rail system on the gulf; a bridge with a 4.2 km height in the north, an artificial island and 1.8 km immersed tube tunnel. İzmir is a coastal city which stands out as a last stop for long-distance caravan road for commerce. This characteristic makes İzmir an even more important city. The future scenario of İzmir suggests that the city will move away from its natural structure, lose its ecological assets, lose its coasts to concrete and pave the way for high incomes. We urgently should prevent it from happening.

Can you give brief information about the annulment process?

EGEÇEP, Doga Association, TMMOB and 85 more people filed a suit and demanded the cancellation of positive environmental impact assessment report.  A viewing was conducted on 1st of March however; experts report is yet to be published.

The latest news is, according to the list published by the Directorate General for Preservation of Natural Heritage, protection degrees of areas that constitute an obstacle for the project have been decreased. This would not work. I believe the citizens in İzmir will not let this very harmful project.