The Alaçatı Wetland is an ecologically significant area renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning scenic beauty. The wetlands have hosted a diverse array of plant species for over 6,000 years, including reeds, rushes, and other aquatic plants that are well-adapted to the wetland environment. It is an essential habitat for various bird species, including migratory birds, making it a significant spot for birdwatching. Additionally, the wetland supports a variety of fish, amphibians, and insects. The wetland plays a crucial role in water purification, flood control, and providing a habitat for wildlife. It also supports local agriculture by maintaining the groundwater levels.
While not the rarest of birds, the Greater Flamingo is the most recognisable of regular visitors to these wetlands and has been coming for several thousand years as part of its Eastern Mediterranean migration route to the Balkans. Today, the very presence of birds like the Greater Flamingo in Alaçatı is in mortal danger. It may disappear with the 150 other bird species within a decade if the development of the Alaçatı Marina continues at the current rate.
Alaçatı Wetland – Table of Contents
Location & Environment of the Alaçatı Wetland
Location: Alaçatı, Gerenye mevkii, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir
The Alaçatı Wetland is a nature reserve between the town and the marina, south of Alaçatı town, near the İzmir-Çeşme Otoyolu (0-32 motorway). The site covers approximately 250 acres of primarily salt marsh, small streams and beaches; the general vegetation consists of richly diverse, fertile silt sediments and scrubland. The lagoon-like intertidal estuary is formed by the Karşıyaka Azmağı (river), a natural watercourse flowing down from the Alaçatı Kutlu Aktaş Dam (under old İzmir road and the motorway) into the shallow waters of Alaçatı Bay and the Aegean Sea.
History of the Alaçatı Wetland
The wetland area sits in a low-lying basin near the Aegean coast, shaped by tectonic activity over millions of years. The combination of the Karaburun Peninsula’s geological features, seasonal streams (such as Karşıyaka Azmağı), and natural sedimentation would have allowed marshes and lagoons to form gradually. The Alaçatı swamp likely existed in some form for thousands of years, possibly since the early Holocene (10,000 years ago or earlier), although its precise origin isn’t documented. Its recognisable form as a significant wetland or marsh predates modern Alaçatı and lasted until about 1850, when efforts to control disease and develop the land began to reshape it.
During antiquity, while nearby regions flourished with ancient Greek and Roman settlements, such as Erythrai (Ildırı), the Alaçatı area remained largely a marshland, likely avoided for human habitation for thousands of years due to its rugged terrain and mosquito-infested waters. In 1850, under Ottoman rule, the swamp was drained as part of a malaria control effort, which opened the region to agriculture and settlement by nearby Greek populations until 1922. While this smaller wetland, in its current form, has been present for at least 175 years.
Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) have likely visited the Alaçatı Wetlands for millennia, possibly as far back as 6,000–10,000 years ago, following ancient flyways from North Africa across the Eastern Mediterranean through Anatolia and onto the wetlands and lagoons of the Balkans. Their presence there is not a modern phenomenon; it’s part of a deep-time ecological connection between birds and this coastal landscape.
Alaçatı Wetland Bird Species
The wetland provides feeding and shelter for 150 species (recorded over a six-year period) and serves as breeding grounds for 24 bird species. Studies of the Alaçatı Wetland observed 44 species throughout the year, 28 of which were sighted only in the winter and 65 migratory bird species. Of the 63 bird types on the Çeşme peninsula, 24 breed exclusively in the Alaçatı Wetlands. Some birds spotted in the wetlands include the Greater Flamingo, the Great Egret, the Little Egret and the Ruddy Shelduck.
Sezai Göksu (bird watcher & photographer – see Sezai’s website (in Turkish)) and an expert on the Alaçatı Wetland Area, listed the following bird species breeding in Alaçatı, Çeşme up until 2020: Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Calidris, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Ruff, Bee-eaters, Red Rumped Swallow, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Western Yellow Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher, Eurasian Blackcap, Zitting Cisticola, Garden Warbler, Olive Tree Warbler, Willow Warbler, Lesser Grey Shrike, European Goldfinch, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, and Mallard.
Flora of the Alaçatı Wetland
The fertile vegetation of the Alaçatı Wetland is enriched with rare endemic plants, such as Pilularia Minuta, a species of fern, rockroses – Cistus Monspeliensis and delicate Mediterranean orchids – Neotinea Lactea. Glasswort – Salicornia Europea (collected and served in local fish restaurants as a traditional meze or starter) and perennial spiny rushes – Juncaceae Acutus, are also found across the wetlands.
Alaçatı Town & Marina Encroachment
The area is threatened by the rapid encroachment of Alaçatı town, which is expanding south, and the development of the marina northwards. In addition to significant luxury developments, the area is also experiencing an increase in commercial infrastructure, road traffic, and the growing popularity of watersports and tourism in the bay and along the southern coast, particularly around the marina.
The Alaçatı Wetlands, a vital habitat on the Çeşme Peninsula, face an ecological catastrophe as luxury real estate, marina expansion, and commercial infrastructure encroach rapidly upon this once-protected landscape. These developments threaten the delicate wetland ecosystems that support over 150 bird species, including the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus).
The construction of Alaçatı Marina and its associated luxury tourism complexes displaces the shallow waters and mudflats that flamingos and wading birds need to feed and rest. Development along the coast increases noise and light pollution, alters wind patterns, and introduces a constant human presence, all of which reduce the birds’ ability to nest or forage safely. Flamingos, in particular, are highly sensitive to disturbance and may abandon traditional stopover points if they sense prolonged threats. Over time, this will sever an essential link in a migration corridor that has existed for thousands of years.
The impact extends beyond direct habitat loss. The surge in road traffic, commercial activity, and tourism brings significant secondary harm: runoff pollution, sediment disruption from watersports, and physical fragmentation of wetland zones. Roads and parking areas cut through natural corridors, while chemicals and oils from vehicles and boats leak into the fragile water systems. Watersports like jet skiing and kite surfing stir up sediment layers, affecting water clarity and food availability for filter-feeding birds. These pressures create a cumulative burden that, without control, will permanently degrade the wetlands’ ecological balance.
If current trends continue, the Alaçatı Wetlands will transform from a globally significant bird sanctuary into a biologically barren coastal strip. The breeding populations of many bird species will collapse, and migratory birds, such as flamingos, will be forced to bypass the region altogether, resulting in increased mortality along their routes. This isn’t simply a local conservation issue; it’s the destruction of a unique, ancient ecosystem. Without decisive action to halt and reverse the development trajectory, we risk losing an irreplaceable part of Türkiye’s natural heritage.
Birds of Alaçatı – Civil Environmental Movement
Birds of Alaçatı website (Turkish/English) / Facebook site
Birds of Alaçatı is an independent, unbiased, voluntary civil environmental movement. Founded in 2019 by Serap Yurdaer Erboy and supported by Elif Egeli Izmiri, the organisation aims to convey a broader and deeper understanding and recognition of the wetland’s vital importance and benefits, particularly in the case of the wetland in Alaçatı, Çeşme. It engages in developing conservation activities. They are committed to gathering and providing information about wetlands, convincing people of their manifold benefits, and promoting significant awareness and respect for nature, one of the world’s most productive yet undervalued ecosystems, particularly the Alaçatı Wetlands.
Volunteers with Birds of Alaçatı erected five information boards on the wetlands to share information about the wetlands and promote a better understanding and awareness of the area’s unique and fragile nature. In 2020, together with Ege University, they undertook research studies on water quality to quantify and analyze the dynamics of the water quality of Alaçatı Wetland for conservation monitoring.
Serap Yurdaer Erboy published a 120-page paperback book “Birds of Alaçatı – Wetland Birds” – ISBN: 9786056119729 (see Amazon.com). Language: Turkish – English.
EuroBirdwatch 2025 (Avrupa Kuş Gözlem Günü)
The European Bird Watch (EuroBirdwatch) is an annual celebration of bird migration organised by BirdLife International and its partners across Europe and Central Asia. It usually takes place on the first weekend of October, when millions of birds are on the move between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. The event has been running since the 1990s and now involves more than 30 countries, from the Atlantic coast to Central Asia. Local bird clubs, nature reserves, and conservation groups host activities ranging from guided walks to public observation posts, allowing participants both to enjoy the spectacle of migration and to contribute to citizen-science monitoring.
In Türkiye, one of the official activities for EuroBirdwatch 2025 (Avrupa Kuş Gözlem Günü) will be held in Alaçatı Sulak Alanı (Alaçatı Wetland). On Saturday, 4 October 2025 at 09:00, a public event will take place at the Alaçatı Azmağı Gözlem Parkı (Alaçatı Azmağı Observation Park). Participation is free of charge, and visitors can join local guides and conservationists to watch migratory birds at one of the region’s most important wetlands. The Alaçatı event highlights the ecological importance of the area, which provides habitat for flamingos, herons, stilts, and many other species stopping on their long journey across continents.
Alaçatı Wetland – Threats and Pressures
Long-term Structural Threats
- No legal protection – the wetland has no official status and remains outside state registers, leaving it vulnerable despite its ecological importance.
- Commercial parcelisation – the land is divided into private plots and even carries “For Sale” signs within the wetland itself.
- Marina development – ongoing pressure from the marina and tourism projects is altering the natural balance of the ecosystem.
- Road traffic impact – roadside expansion and increasing vehicle numbers add noise, air pollution, and disturbance to wildlife.
- Hydrology fragmentation – rubble dumping and construction works risk blocking natural water flows, drying some areas and flooding others.
- Water regime changes – irrigation, drainage, and climate change are likely to further shrink the wetland in years to come.
- Eutrophication risk – runoff carrying fertilisers and other nutrients can trigger algal blooms, fish kills, and biodiversity loss.
Current and Immediate Issues
- Dumping of rubble – construction materials are dumped directly into the wetland. Birds of Alaçatı have repeatedly highlighted this issue to local authorities.
- Rubbish accumulation – plastics, bottles, and general refuse are widespread. Despite campaigns by Birds of Alaçatı, systematic clean-up has not been achieved.
- Feral dogs and cats – large populations are encouraged to remain in the wetland, disturbing natural habitats and preying on wildlife.
- Constant truck traffic – heavy trucks pass through the wetland at very short intervals, causing noise and air pollution.
- Picnics and open fires – people use clearings as picnic spots, leaving litter and lighting open fires, which creates a severe fire risk in the grasses.
- Noise and light pollution – disturbance from the marina, nightlife, and nearby traffic disrupts migratory and roosting bird behaviour.
- Pollution from marina – oil leaks, antifouling paints, detergents, and wastewater seep into the wetland’s water system.
- Invasive species – known threats in Turkish wetlands such as common carp, topmouth gudgeon, red swamp crayfish, and aggressive reed growth add potential ecological pressure.
Birds of Alaçatı have worked tirelessly to bring attention to these problems, from illegal dumping to pollution and rubbish accumulation. Their campaigns and social media advocacy have been essential in raising awareness. Yet despite their efforts, these threats remain unresolved, leaving the Alaçatı Wetland in a fragile and vulnerable state.
Wetland Classification & Protection in Türkiye
- İzmir Province has only one fully protected Ramsar site (Gediz Delta) despite hosting many lagoon/delta systems.
- Alaçatı stands out as ecologically significant but politically/developmentally excluded from protection.
Wetlands in Türkiye are classified under three main categories of protection. At the highest tier are the Ramsar Sites, internationally recognised under the Ramsar Convention and monitored by the global secretariat. These sites carry binding obligations for long-term conservation and typically represent the country’s most significant ecosystems, vital for migratory birds, rare habitats, and unique hydrological features. Among them are the Gediz Delta near İzmir (see also Likecesme.com – Çiğli Bird Paradise), Burdur Lake, the Sultan Marshes, and the Göksu Delta.
Below this international level, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry designates wetlands of National Importance and Local Importance. Wetlands of National Importance are those with a broader ecological or socio-economic role and benefit from stronger conservation measures and stricter planning controls. Local Importance wetlands are usually smaller or seasonal ecosystems, often critical to local biodiversity and community use, but with lighter protections and weaker enforcement. Together, these categories form Türkiye’s official register of wetlands, currently totalling 131 recognised sites.
In İzmir Province, the Gediz Delta holds Ramsar status and is renowned worldwide for its flamingo colonies and diverse birdlife. At the same time, Gölmarmara Lake, partly within the provincial border, is listed as of National Importance. However, the Alaçatı Wetland, despite its striking biodiversity and the community’s reliance on it, remains unrecognised in any official register. Local civil initiatives, especially Birds of Alaçatı, have worked to draw attention to problems of illegal dumping, rubbish, heavy traffic, and disturbance, pressing for protection through social media and petitions. Their efforts highlight the disparity between official recognition and ecological reality: while İzmir can boast wetlands of global significance, Alaçatı remains vulnerable, sustained only by community vigilance rather than legal protection.
İzmir Province Wetlands: Official vs. Unlisted
A. Officially Recognized Wetlands in İzmir Province
(these are on the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry’s register)
| Wetland | Status | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gediz Deltası (İzmir Kuş Cenneti) | Ramsar site, Specially Protected Area (SİT) | One of Türkye’s most important wetlands, a critical stopover for migratory birds, home to flamingos, pelicans, herons, extensive lagoons, saltpans, and reedbeds. |
| Gölmarmara (partly in Manisa–İzmir boundary) | National Importance | Shallow freshwater lake, historically crucial for birdlife (pelicans, herons, cormorants); significant habitat loss in recent years due to water extraction. |
| İznik and other smaller lake/lagoon entries | Some overlap with broader Aegean listings | Often shared across provincial borders, less central to İzmir’s coastline compared with Gediz Delta. |
B. Ecologically Important but Not Officially Listed
(these appear in academic/NGO reports, birdwatching inventories, or community activism, but are not in the state register)
| Wetland | Recognition | Why Important | Why Not Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaçatı Sulak Alanı (Alaçatı Port / Azmak Area) | Aegean universities, Doğa Derneği, birdwatcher groups; regularly surveyed for flamingos, herons, stilts, and other species | Key resting & feeding area on migratory flyway; shallow lagoons, reedbeds, dunes; symbolic for local activism (e.g. Alaçatı Wetlands protection campaigns) | No formal state designation; the area is targeted for marina/tourism development. However, fragmented ownership and construction pressure have prevented legal recognition. |
| Dalyan Wetlands (Çeşme Dalyan)1 | Locally recognised by fishermen & environmentalists | Supports mullet breeding grounds, herons, cormorants; brackish marshes tied to fishing culture | No official survey/delineation; viewed as part of coastal zone rather than a “sulak alan.” |
| Sakızlı Wetlands (Urla–Seferihisar fringe) | Noted in regional biodiversity reports | Seasonal marshes supporting migratory birds | Ephemeral/seasonal, difficult to classify under wetland protection frameworks. |
| Küçük Menderes Delta (Selçuk, near Pamucak) | Important Bird Area (IBA) | Supports herons, storks, raptors; adjacent to Ephesus | Lacks Ramsar/national designation; agriculture & tourism pressure dominate land use. |
Note1 on Dalyan Wetlands: The low-lying ground behind Dalyanköy harbour originally had shallow brackish water and reed patches, acting as fish-breeding grounds and seasonal wetlands tied to Dalyan’s fishing culture (the very name “dalyan” refers to fish traps in lagoons). From the 1990s onwards, increasing demand for summer houses and tourism properties led to the infilling and parcelling of land around Dalyan. Many of the former wet patches have been drained or filled, then built over. What remains are only fragments — some drainage channels, small reed clusters, and seasonal waterlogging — but no continuous, recognisable wetland. The ecosystem has essentially been lost to urbanisation.
Prof. Sezai Göksu (Academic & Conservationist)
Sezai Göksu Website (Turkish only – mainly photos and videos)
Prof. Dr Sezai Göksu is a Turkish academic and conservationist whose formal appointment was in the Şehir ve Bölge Planlama (City & Regional Planning) Department at Dokuz Eylül University. Over the years, he has served as department head and supervised many theses on urban‐rural transformation, spatial planning, and the interface of urban growth with natural systems. Although his training and career are rooted in planning rather than biology or ecology per se, Göksu became deeply involved in birdwatching, wetland advocacy, and citizen science alongside his academic career.
Göksu’s work in the Alaçatı area has focused on documenting and promoting the ornithological and ecological value of the local wetland, known as the “azmak” (a combination of stream and marsh), as part of Türkiye’s larger bird migration network. He has guided bird‐watching outings, helped raise awareness via local media and conservation groups, and recorded dozens (over 100) of species in the Alaçatı wetlands, distinguishing between migratory, resting, feeding, and breeding birds. He has also engaged in public debates on threats to the wetland environment (e.g., infrastructure, development pressure) and highlighted features like tidal flows (“gel-git”) that make the lake-marsh-sea interface variable and sensitive to alteration.
Göksu is essential not just locally, but more broadly to wetland and bird preservation efforts in Türkiye, as he serves as a bridge between academia, local activism, and citizen science. By leveraging his academic credibility, he helps legitimise conservation claims, provides baseline data, and helps build local engagement. In a country where wetlands are under pressure from development, drainage, and competing uses, his role as a vocal advocate and local expert helps draw attention to lesser-known sites (like Alaçatı), reinforcing that protecting small, ephemeral wetlands is necessary for safeguarding migration corridors and biodiversity.