Rafting Paradise in Peril
The Decline of Coruh River Rafting
Qoruh River, renowned for its rafting routes and attracting around 12,000 enthusiasts annually, faces an impending threat due to dam constructions. The district of Yusufeli, a top rafting center in Turkey, is at risk of submersion. Qoruh River, spanning 431 km (410 km within Turkish borders), stands as Turkey’s fastest flowing river and the 10th fastest globally Unveiling the Top Rafting Nations.
Dam Projects on Coruh River
The Ministry of Public Works and Settlement Program is undertaking extensive dam construction on Coruh, with 10 dams planned on the river and an additional 17 on its branches. While Muratli Dam and HEP are already completed and operational, Borcka and Deriner dams are currently under construction. The Council of State annulled the cabinet decree for the construction of Yusufeli Dam in 2005, but an appeal court’s approval has allowed the project to proceed. The potential construction of Bayram and Baglik Dams is also under consideration.
Environmental Impact and Opposition
Environmental concerns arise as the dam on Coruh River is projected to flood 5,535 hectares of Coruh Valley, an internationally significant habitat for 133 plant and animal species Guided Tour Istanbul. The Gullubag project is anticipated to drown an additional 2,200 hectares of land, leading to the extinction of two endangered endemic plants. Despite opposition from the Nature Organization, the government supports the projects, arguing that the 27 planned plants will generate 10.3 billion kWh of energy annually, contributing significantly to Turkey’s energy production.
Rafting Roots Early 90s Beginnings
Rafting in Turkey commenced in the early ’90s, specifically on Coruh River. The sport gained attention when a small team, accompanied by Israeli rafters, initiated rafting activities on this river. In 1992, then Minister of Culture and Tourism, Abdulkadir Ates, took note of this emerging sport during a rafting organization promoting Coruh River. This marked the beginning of wider adoption and practice of rafting in Turkey.
