ŞÊRÎN ELÎ

Shehba – Turkey and Turkish-backed factions continue to commit crimes in Afrin, where is known for its nature and olive trees. In Afrin, people are abducted and trees are cut down almost every day. After the people of the region were displaced by military operations, thousands of trees were cut down in Afrin and they continue to be cut down. Mervet Hemede, a member of the Ecology Council of Shehba Municipality, spoke to our news agency about the plundering of nature in Afrin.

“End the destruction”

Reacting to the cutting down of olive trees in Afrin, Mervet Hemede said, “There is a strong bond between humans and nature. In particular, the people of Afrin have a very special bond with nature. For them, nature is sacred. The people of Afrin value their nature. The people of Afrin, especially old people, dedicate their lives to serving nature. For this reason, they were so affected by their displacement. The demographic structure of the region is changed every day. This causes irreversible damage to nature. Trees are cut down and transported every day, and all this is openly happening.”

“Attacks on nature are attacks on humanity”

Mervet Hemede also called on ecologists, particularly the ecologists in Turkey, to be sensitive about the plundering of Afrin's nature, “Ecology movements in Turkey should take action. Chemical weapons were already used in the region during the operations and attacks. Nature has already been badly damaged. Today, we see how trees are cut down and stolen. The destruction of nature is the destruction of humanity. Attacks on nature are attacks on humanity. Humanity is being destroyed in Afrin. Let’s work more against the plundering of nature together. Let's show the world the real face of Turkey.”