Hi John,

My name is Nejla Işık and I'm from Turkey. I live in a village called
İkizköy, in the Milas district of Muğla. I am writing to you with exciting
news: we are about to launch our second report about our region's options
for sustainable climate solutions!

I'm born and raised in İkizköy, and made a life here. I’m a mother of two,
engaged in growing olives, farming, and raising animals. My community and
its surroundings are a huge part of who I am, and things I deeply care
about.

Together with other villagers, I have been fighting the coal industry here
for years – and it hasn't been easy. The already existing coal power
plants and the ever enlarging coal mines have threatened our health, our
lands, and our livelihoods for decades. Since 2019, the coal expansion
plans have also been putting one of our last shields and oasis, the
Akbelen Forest, at risk. But we stood up and said no. We camped in the
forest, stopped them from logging with our own bodies, and held peaceful
demonstrations. As retaliation, our water was cut off, we were beaten by
security forces, and we were forcibly removed from the area and
prosecuted.

Despite all the injustice we have suffered, we are still trying to protect
our forest, our lands, our village, and our world. And we have a vision
for the future we want to build – a future where people live longer and
healthier lives, where there is less division and marginalization, and
where the local economy thrives. That future is based on a Just
Transition, away from coal and towards renewable energy and regenerative
industries.

Together with 350.org, we have been fighting for a Coal Free Milas for
years. Our goal is to refocus the local economy. Last year, 350 and
partners produced a report and a documentary showing the story of Milas
and the benefits of investing in olive production instead of coal. These
resources have been instrumental in debunking myths about the coal
industry being a necessary source of jobs, and in showing that a more
sustainable economy is viable and beneficial for everyone.

[ [link removed] ]İkizköy villagers holding a banner saying 'Justice for Olive' at the
'Olive is Life' mass protests in April 2022İkizköy villagers holding a
banner saying 'Justice for Olive' at the 'Olive is Life' mass protests in
April 2022.

With the new report that is coming soon, we are feeling more confident
than ever! It expands the research on the solutions and opportunities for
a coal-free Milas, giving us tools for keeping pressure up.

350 Türkiye has been closely supporting us for several years, producing
content, providing training, and joining meetings with local authorities.
We know we can trust and rely on them for all kinds of support. They make
us feel that we are not alone in this struggle.



Help 350 support our fight for a Coal Free Milas and other fights around
the world!

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Thank you for taking the time to read about our work.

In solidarity,

Nejla Işık – President of the Karadam Karacahisar Association for the
Protection, Improvement, and Solidarity towards Nature and Wildlife
(KARDOK) in İkizköy, Türkiye




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350.org is a global movement that fights for a just and equitable world by stopping the fossil fuel industry from continuing to destroy our climate.