Olive trees relocated in Milas grow with scientific care, local economy revitalized

The maintenance work for the olive trees relocated using scientific methods from the mine site of Yeniköy Kemerköy Enerji, along with the new seedlings planted in the region, continues uninterrupted. In the maintenance services carried out by a local company operating in the region, the field teams consist entirely of local residents. The supply of all materials used during the maintenance process, such as kaolin, plant nutrition, and protection products, is provided by the Milas Ziraat Odası Tarım Marketi. These activities, carried out within the scope of the Provisional 45th Article of the Maden Kanunu, also include the intensive care process that began after the trees were moved to their new locations. In this context, irrigation, plant nutrition, plant protection, kaolin applications, and growth controls are meticulously carried out at specific periods determined by experts.

In addition to meticulously monitoring the care of each relocated tree, the maintenance of the new olive seedlings that met the soil in the same number during the relocation process is also carried out within the same program. To monitor the process transparently and impartially, an important protocol was signed between Türkiye Tabiatını Koruma Derneği (TTKD) and Yeniköy Kemerköy Enerji in September of last year. Thanks to this protocol, the maintenance process of the olive trees is audited with the participation of non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. This approach, which has adhered to scientific criteria since the beginning of the relocation process, holds great importance for the sustainability of agricultural activities in the region. It is emphasized that the aim is not only to protect the existing trees but also to increase the olive presence in the region to create productive olive groves.

Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya, faculty member of the Department of Horticulture at Ankara Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi and founder of Zeytin Akademi, who presides over the relocation process, stated that maintenance work plays a decisive role in the trees' adaptation to their new environments. Özkaya expressed that before relocation, each tree was evaluated individually, and rejuvenation pruning, root pruning, and root protection practices were carried out entirely according to scientific principles. He noted that following the relocation, controlled irrigation was initiated, and plant protection and nutrition programs suitable for the soil structure were implemented. Furthermore, trees are protected against temperature changes and environmental factors using kaolin and necessary protective products. Özkaya added that the shoot formation, leaf and flower development, and general health status of each tree are recorded at specific intervals.

Emphasizing that observations to date show the relocated trees have successfully adapted to their new locations and exhibited healthy development, Özkaya stated that the same care applies to the newly planted seedlings. Burak Işık, Assistant General Manager of Yeniköy Kemerköy Enerji, pointed out that these activities create great value not only environmentally but also in terms of the regional economy. Işık stated that they place great importance on conducting maintenance activities with local resources and that this strengthens the regional economy. He noted that the company provides direct employment for 3,100 people, 85% of whom are from the local community, and creates a broad economic impact zone encompassing approximately 100,000 people together with its suppliers. He expressed that this situation contributes significantly to the regional development of Milas and Muğla, reaching 5 billion TL annually.

Stating that under the 'Hüsamlar Yeniden' project, which aims to restore former mine sites to nature, the maintenance of over 250,000 plants and seedlings creates an economic volume worth hundreds of millions of liras, Işık emphasized the importance of local collaboration. He mentioned that they consider the inclusion of Milas Ziraat Odası, the largest non-governmental organization in Milas, along with local producers and regional knowledge, into this process as a strategic step. He stated that thanks to the regular maintenance of the relocated trees and new seedlings, the olive presence is preserved and expanded, further strengthening the local economy. The company's environmentally sensitive approach contributes to both increasing agricultural production and employing the local population. All these activities stand out as a comprehensive model demonstrating that energy production and agricultural activities can be carried out together in the same region in a scientific and sustainable manner.