Since 2017, the Finike-Demre-Kaş-Kalkan divided road project has been on the agenda of the Antalya Regional Directorate of Highways. On the agenda since 2017, the project recently received a positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decision. The 74-kilometer, four-lane road will include bridges, tunnels, and overpasses, passing through areas rich in archaeological and natural heritage.
The route either crosses or runs close to archaeological sites such as Kekova, Myra, and Andriake. It also poses a threat to the Kaş-Kekova Special Environmental Protection Area and the first-degree natural conservation site of Kaputaş. Environmental organizations warn about deforestation and the population of unique local plants such as the Lycian Orchid, Kaputaş Endemic Gentian, and Sürmeli Crocus will be harmed. The project is also set to affect 17 villages and risks damaging underground water resources.
Finike, Demre, and Kaş are some of the rare regions in Antalya that have been preserved in their historical and natural state, attracting visitors for cultural and nature tourism rather than mass tourism. While local residents and environmental activists continue to oppose the project, Kaş Environment and Culture Association Vice President Süreyya Özel emphasized that improving existing roads would be more effective than building a new dual road.
According to an expert report, the current Kaş-Kalkan road takes 28 minutes to traverse, while the proposed road would take 31 minutes. This suggests that 73% of the local population would continue using the existing road even after the new one is completed. Özel also stated that “There is already a three-lane road between Demre and Kaş, and it would suffice to improve the physical and geometric standards of certain points. Constructing a new four-lane road is an unnecessary tax burden on the Turkish people, who are already facing economic challenges. It is a waste.”
In conclusion, as the people of Finike, Demre, Kaş, and Kalkan, we demand the cancellation of the dual road project, which would cause irreversible damage to our region’s historical, cultural, and natural areas, and instead call for the improvement of existing roads.”
The Kaş Environment and Culture Association has launched a petition on Change.org to oppose the project. Titled “Do Not Destroy Our Forests, Ancient Cities, and Villages for a Dual Road. Improve the Existing Road,” the petition, started on January 18, is still ongoing.
