Protecting the Turtles Together
A Story of Grassroots Community Activism
This is the incredible story of how a small Turkish community came together to launch an international movement that saved the endangered loggerhead turtles of Iztuzu Beach.
The story begins in the mid-1980s with one Englishwoman called June Haimoff, who sailed to Iztuzu and instantly fell in love with the place. She built a hut on the and became a part of the local community. It didn’t take long for June to realize that Iztuzu was a crucial nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles. But in 1984, plans for a large resort development were underway that threatened to destroy the fragile ecosystem and the turtles’ natural habitat.
June took action. She rallied the community and local fishermen to spread the word about the long-term ecological damage the resort would cause. With the support of David Bellamy, a well-known conservationist, the campaign gained momentum, grabbing the attention of international media and garnering global support for the turtles.
June knew that headlines alone weren’t enough. To stop the development, she had to get the government on side. Scientists, conservation groups, and the local community bombarded the Turkish government with petitions, letters, meetings, and campaigns, demanding action.
In 1988, after years of relentless activism, Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach were declared a Special Environmental Protection Area. This victory put a halt to the resort development, banned large-scale construction, and, most importantly, ensured the protection of the loggerhead turtles.
The legacy of this campaign continues, and the fight to protect the turtles goes on. June, affectionately known as "Kaptan June," went on to establish the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, dedicated to safeguarding the turtles and educating the public about their importance. Her beach hut has since become a small museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the turtles and the efforts to conserve them.
Kaptan June passed away in 2022 at the age of 99, leaving behind a profound legacy in Dalyan. Her powerful grassroots activism lives on, and a statue in her honour stands by the river in Dalyan.
Today, the conservation efforts that Kaptan June started are continuing through Dekamer, the Sea Turtle Research, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Centre. Dekamer plays a crucial role in the ongoing protection of Iztuzu Beach, providing care for injured sea turtles, monitoring and protecting nests, conducting research on turtle behavior and migration patterns, and educating the public about the importance of these incredible creatures.
In support of the ongoing protection of the turtles, Free Spirit Escapes has committed to donating 100% of the profits from their merchandise sales to support Dekamer’s vital work.
The story of Iztuzu Beach and the loggerhead turtles is one of hope, determination, and the power of community activism. Thanks to the efforts of Kaptan June and the local community, the loggerhead turtles continue to be protected.
