Nurgül UÇAR
Chairman of İzmir Bird Paradise Conservation and Development Union

"The association of protecting and improving Izmir Bird Paradise" was established by local public foundations, universities, and civil society organizations' participation for the purpose of introducing the area to national or international interests on 18th January, 2003. to This association will ensure the protection of the natural life found at the Izmir Bird Paradise as specified in International Ramsar Agreement. This project was made possible largely due to Izmir Governor Yusuf Ziya Göksu.Below are the guidelines for the rehabilitation and management of this site:

1. In order for both native and foreign visitors to find their way around the site easily 25 road and warning signs have been placed by the 2nd public highway district office. The original signs at the entrance of the Bird Paradise have been taken down due to road construction.

Foto: Ahmet Akgün

2. A large planting project was conducted to alleviate the unattractive appearance of the Tekel Tobacco-Leaf Industry warehouses located in the entrance of Bird Paradise. For project 600 ivy trees (American ivy, Mor Salkım and Acem Borusu) and 6000 pieces of land coverings (like buz çiçeği, kazayağı) have been planted in a natural style along the wire fences around the warehouses. 500 oleasters and 3200 tamarisks have been planted along the 6.5 km road from the Izmir Bird Paradise entrance to the visitors center.

Foto: Ahmet Akgün

3. To prevent the extreme salinity of Homa Lagün the canals and outlets that let water pass between the sea and the lake have been cleared away. In this way healthy breeding and feeding habitats for many bird species have been created.

4. The transformer which is in the area opposite the visitors center has been painted with the birds representing the Bird Paradise. In addition, the transformer of Tekel located in the entrance of the area has been painted in an artistic way.

5. Planting has also been done in the area surrounding the visitors center, in the visitors parking area, and between the arch at the entrance to the area; and the surroundings of the gate. Planting at these sites represent a total of 3,000 sq m. 500 sq m of which has been covered with grass. A 5,000 sq m area has been planted with nearly 65,000 pieces of land covering (like buz çiçeği, kazayağı) and seasonal flowers (like snapdragon, velvet, gazanya), and 4,420 trees and shrubs(iğde, ılgın, yalancı akasya, gülibrişim, ardıç, erguvan) adapted to the ecosystem of the area.6. Around the 3000 sq.m. part of the area, a fountain and sprinkler water system has been constructed. In connection with the sprinkler system a double pump12 m3-capasity pressure tank for water supply has been mounted.

Foto: Ahmet Akgün

7. A visitor center arrangement was made.

8. An informative brochure about Izmir Bird Paradise has been prepared.

9. A street sprinkler has been bought.

10. Dump containers have been set into appropriate places.

11. Eletric power lines and phone lines in the entrance of the area have been placed underground. All the lines that were an unsitley view in the entrance have been placed underground.

12. Along the transport route between Atatürk Organizing Industry District and the entry of Çamaltı Tuzla Industry there was a pollution problem resulting from from litter, building rubbles, and moulding of vidanjör. The litter and rubble on the borders of the road have been removed and a wire fence has been stretched over side of the road in order to prevent it from happening again. Additionally, some warning signs have been placed stating that this is protected site.

13. In order to prevent "görüntü kirliliği" and traffic jams resulting from heavy trucks which come to Tuzla Industry Office nearby the entrance of the Bird Paradise, a truck park has been opened.

14. Sweet water has been brought from a distance of 6.5 km for use at the visitors center.

15. In the area opposite the visitors' center a more organized car parking area has been constructed.

Foto: Ahmet Akgün

16. The road way on which environmentally friendly vehicles are permitted has been covered with a plent-miks material.

17. The entrance arch, kingfisher, grey heron and seagull figurines have been placed.

18. To record the number of visitors to the site a gate with an autometer in the shape of a flamingo nest has been placed at the entrance.

Foto: Ahmet Akgün

19. Three watchtowers have been constructed in appropriate places in the area for increased bird observing opportunities as to decrease disturbance to the birds from people,s efforts to view the birds otherwise.

Foto: Ahmet Akgün

20. A bird watch house has been built specifically to be used for bird counts and other scientific research.

Foto: Ahmet Akgün

21. Interpretive signs introducing the area to visitors and showing the status of protection for each area have been appropriately placed.