The geography of Botan consists of high mountain masses such as Cudî, Gabar and Besta, along with valley systems deeply carved into these formations. The temperature difference between the northern and southern slopes of the mountains allows both alpine vegetation and species unique to the Mediterranean climate to coexist in the region at the same time.

 

In addition to endemic plant species found only in this region, Botan is also one of the safest refuges for endangered species such as the striped hyena, wild goats and various birds of prey.

 

Environmental destruction in Botan, which has accelerated over the past five years, continues to deepen despite all objections from local residents. The plunder of nature carried out in the Besta, Cudî and Gabar mountains of Şirnex (Şırnak) under the pretexts of “security,” “mining” and “oil exploration” is irreversibly destroying an ecosystem thousands of years old.

 

Throughout this uninterrupted process in recent years, oak trees that had stood for centuries have been systematically cut down, while forested areas have been opened to widespread exploitation. According to the latest reports published by the Şirnex Bar Association, 8 percent of forested areas were destroyed between 2018 and 2022. Likewise, according to 2022 data from the Şanlıurfa Regional Directorate of Forestry, 7 percent of the province’s forested areas disappeared in just seven months.

 

The activities carried out particularly in the Besta region have made the scale of the destruction more visible. Due to tree cutting that has continued for five years across 31 areas in Besta, much of the region is rapidly becoming barren. According to experts, these cuttings threaten not only tree cover but the entire ecological balance of the region.

 

New roads opened on mountain slopes, excavations carried out with heavy machinery, and transport routes stretching for kilometres to move felled trees all reveal the scale of the destruction.

 

The plunder of nature in the region, largely carried out by village guards, continues without effective oversight. As forested areas disappear, soil erosion is increasing, while many species — particularly wild goats — face the risk of losing their habitats. In addition, the risk of chemical waste and soil contamination brought about by oil and mining exploration activities is among the factors threatening the region’s ecosystem.

 

The centuries-old tradition of nomadic pastoralism in the region is also being directly affected by this ecological destruction. Due to the shrinking of highland pastures and grazing areas, declining water sources and the destruction of vegetation, nomadic herders are struggling to feed their animals. This is leading both to the weakening of livelihoods and to serious economic losses.

 

Meanwhile, the decline in forest cover is also causing changes in the region’s microclimate. With the loss of tree cover, temperatures are rising, rainfall patterns are becoming irregular and seasonal balances are being disrupted. This negatively affects both agricultural production and natural life cycles.

 

While all these developments continue, oil activities in Gabar are also proceeding without slowing down. At present, around 99 drilling wells are active in the region, while plans are underway to open an additional 114 wells under new projects. This would bring the total number of wells in the area to approximately 213. The expansion plan is intensifying concerns that ecological pressure on the region will increase even further.

 

If the current destruction continues at this pace, Botan risks losing not only its natural wealth, but also its climatic balance and cultural fabric. Despite all objections, the continuation of this process is deepening concerns over the future of the region with each passing day.

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut