Türkiye’s amputee nationwide soccer group took their coaching session to the dry floor of Seyfe Lake, one of many nation’s key wetland hen sanctuaries, to spotlight the alarming drought that has devastated the realm.
Preparing for the Balkan Championship in Albania, the group used their platform to name consideration to the rising environmental disaster.
Head coach Ismail Temiz shared his misery upon seeing the dried-up state of Seyfe Lake, as soon as an important stopover for migratory birds.
“When we saw Seyfe Lake like this, knowing what it used to be, it was heartbreaking,” Temiz informed reporters. “Humanity is in a silent war with nature, and we are partially destroying ourselves in the process. We have a responsibility to raise awareness and leave this world better for the generations to come.”
Temiz emphasised the lake’s former significance as a migratory route for birds and the way the gamers, as people with disabilities, perceive the idea of overcoming obstacles. “As a team of disabled athletes, we see the challenge here and aim to do our part to make a difference. Seyfe Lake, once home to diverse bird species, must be preserved.”
Goalkeeper coach and retired geophysicist İlhan Elmalı additionally weighed in, stressing the essential significance of water reserves for future generations.
“Water is one of the most valuable legacies we can leave behind,” Elmalı stated. “It’s imperative that public officials prioritize this issue. Rain and snow water need to be protected to ensure the continuity of ecosystems like this. We viewed this area with great sadness.”
Team captain Halil Ibrahim Esen echoed these issues, saying: “We’re here to raise awareness about climate change and its effects. I hope Seyfe Lake can return to its former state soon.”
The occasion was organized with the assistance of the Kırşehir Preservation Platform, whose president, Mustafa Düger, highlighted the urgency of the state of affairs. “This region is on the brink of losing one of its most precious natural treasures due to drought and climate change. Our goal is to ensure these lands are passed down to future generations. Seyfe is a national treasure, and we must all act to protect it.”
Kırşehir Mayor Selahattin Ekicioğlu additionally pointed to the impacts of local weather change and agricultural practices within the surrounding Malya Plain, which have drained the area’s underground water provides, exacerbating the lake’s drying.
“Global climate change, along with agricultural and livestock activities, has contributed to the desiccation of Seyfe Lake,” Ekicioğlu stated.
Seyfe Lake Bird Sanctuary, situated within the Mucur district of Kırşehir, is among the world’s essential migratory hen routes and holds “three or more levels of protection” underneath worldwide agreements such because the Ramsar Convention.
Source: www.dailysabah.com