Akçakoca, located on the northern coast of Turkey along the Black Sea, is a small town with a deep connection to its coastal environment. Unlike Le Havre, which has long been an industrial powerhouse, Akçakoca’s economy has historically been based on tourism and farming. As farming is dedicated to hazelnut production, fishing appears as an important livelihood, parallel to its industry dedicated to steel pipe production, while a market for wooden furniture and wooden products is growing.

The town’s waterfront has always been central to daily life, providing both economic opportunities and a place for recreation. In recent years, Akçakoca has experienced a surge in tourism, driven by its natural beauty, historic sites, and proximity to major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. The town’s beaches, along with landmarks such as the Genoese Castle, attract thousands of domestic visitors each year.

Perpetual natural heritage

Akçakoca’s identity is tied closely to its natural landscape and historical landmarks. The town’s waterfront is not merely a place of economic activity but also a site of significant cultural importance. The Genoese Castle, a medieval fortification overlooking the Black Sea, serves as a reminder of the region’s historical importance, having survived through the Hellenistic, Roman, and Eastern Roman periods. Officially registered on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, the castle and its neighboring coasts, including several Blue Flag beaches, represent the town’s pastoral landscape.

Being inert against change throughout the centuries, including the era of industrialization, Akçakoca still has an ongoing battle against attempts to introduce heavy industries in the province, as fought against in the past several times.

Resisting industrialization

The city has a history of pushing back against industrial development, especially when it comes to the exploitation of natural resources. This resistance is rooted in the town’s reliance on eco-tourism, agriculture, particularly hazelnut production, and its inhabitants’ close ties to nature and pastoral villages, which catalyzed sustainable economic activities aligned with the preservation of its natural environment. Akçakoca’s local government and community have long recognized the importance of their coastline, forests, and rural landscapes as key elements of the town’s economic and cultural identity. This understanding has fueled a series of successful campaigns to block industrial projects that threatened to compromise these assets.

A few years ago, despite the city’s inability to resist the opening of a quarry, residents—led by those in the Akkaya village—stood in solidarity to prevent the quarry's expansion. Their united effort to raise awareness and engage with government officials resulted in the cancellation or relocation of the expansion efforts.

Akçakoca’s fight against industrialization extends beyond opposition to corporate interests; it is also a fight against the ruling government, whose push for industrialization across the West Black Sea often conflicts with local environmental concerns. This year, residents protested when they learned of the government’s decision to cut down trees along the Göktepe Village stream. This was followed by an even more shocking decision to authorize gold prospecting in one of Akçakoca’s most famous natural settings, Sarıyayla Waterfall, located within the Melen River Conservation Area.

Environmental protests and advocacy

In recent weeks, Akçakoca has witnessed rising tensions over proposed mining activities that threaten its natural environment. Residents and environmental advocates vocally oppose plans to expand mining operations and conduct gold operations, particularly around the Kaplandede region and the Melen River watershed.

Local protests have erupted in response to the issuance of permits for gold exploration, with activists warning that these actions could jeopardize the region's biodiversity and water quality. The Melen River, a crucial water source for the community, is particularly at risk. Opponents argue that mining activities could lead to significant ecological degradation, impacting not just wildlife but also the livelihoods of those who depend on these natural resources.

The “Kuzey Ormanları Araştırma Derneği” has been at the forefront of these protests, emphasizing the need to protect Akçakoca's rich flora and fauna. They argue that allowing mining in such sensitive areas would be akin to sacrificing the environment for short-term economic gains. Community members have organized demonstrations to raise awareness about the potential consequences of mining in Akçakoca. Recent protests featured slogans emphasizing the importance of preserving the area's natural beauty and resources, with participants vowing to protect their land, water, and air from exploitation.

The protests are part of a broader movement advocating for sustainable practices in Turkey's natural resource management. Activists are calling for a reevaluation of mining permits and a comprehensive environmental impact assessment before any further actions are taken. They urge policymakers to prioritize the long-term health of ecosystems over immediate financial incentives.

As the situation develops, the people of Akçakoca remain determined to defend their land against potential ecological threats posed by mining operations. Their ongoing efforts reflect a growing awareness and activism regarding environmental issues in Turkey, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to economic development that respects and preserves natural ecosystems. The resistance in Akçakoca serves as a critical reminder of the power of community action in safeguarding local environments.

There is another way out

As can be observed from the long-lasting fight of Akçakoca’s residents to preserve their natural heritage, the city’s economy is based on tourism and agriculture, focusing on hazelnut production as aforementioned. As a result, the focus of waterfront development has shifted towards tourism and environmental conservation.

What’s done so far

In the not-very-far past, a research effort has been carried out and resulted in indicating the path Akçakoca should follow. These studies emphasize sustainable urban growth and the preservation of ecological balance through green corridors and controlled urban expansion.

Akçakoca's green infrastructure plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s urban environment. The "Akçakoca Yerleşimi Yeşil Alt Yapı Bileşenleri ve Kentsel Yeşil Alan Gereksinimi" report underscores the importance of ecological connectivity within urban planning. Green spaces in Akçakoca serve as more than just recreational areas; they function as critical ecological patches, corridors, and matrices that mitigate urban heat, reduce pollution, and foster biodiversity. Yet, these green areas are often fragmented, limiting their ecological potential.

By applying the patch-corridor-matrix model, Akçakoca can link its parks, rivers, and coastal areas into a cohesive network. Native species should be prioritized in the city’s green areas to increase resilience to climate change, while rain gardens can be implemented to manage stormwater and reduce flooding. Additionally, the development of green corridors along waterways and urban boundaries can prevent uncontrolled urban sprawl, creating a balance between nature and development.

Accessibility remains a key concern. As highlighted in the "Kentsel Yeşil Alanların Ulaşabilirlik Bakımından İrdelenmesi" study, while 80% of residents can access green spaces within a 10-minute walk, there are stark disparities in green space availability. Neighborhoods like Ayazlı enjoy 153 m² of green space per capita, while others, such as Cumhuriyet, have as little as 7 m² per capita, well below national standards. This inequality underscores the need for a more equitable distribution of green spaces across the city.

A broader vision

The broader strategic vision for Düzce, outlined in "Düzce'nin Geleceği Yol Haritası 2012" and "T-10 Düzce," complements Akçakoca's local green infrastructure efforts by providing a regional framework for sustainable development. Düzce, with its geographical position between Istanbul and Ankara, is uniquely positioned to leverage its natural resources for eco-friendly growth. Both documents emphasize the creation of green corridors to manage urban sprawl and promote eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and responsible industrial development.

The focus on controlled urban growth in Düzce mirrors Akçakoca’s approach, with both regions aiming to limit the environmental impact of expansion. By concentrating industrial activity in designated areas like Beyköy Organize Sanayi Bölgesi, Düzce seeks to boost economic output while minimizing environmental harm. The diversification of the economy through sectors such as green energy, organic farming, and eco-tourism aligns Düzce’s development goals with global sustainability trends.

Düzce’s plans also stress the importance of human capital, education, and cultural preservation. Local institutions, particularly Düzce University, are positioned as key drivers of innovation, helping to equip the workforce with the skills needed for a sustainable future. Cultural and historical preservation also play a significant role in the region’s development strategy, with plans to integrate these assets into the economic growth model, enhancing Düzce’s appeal as a tourist destination.

A comprehensive combination

When combined, the green infrastructure strategies for Akçakoca and the broader development plans for Düzce form a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable urban growth. Both focus on maintaining ecological balance through the strategic use of green spaces and corridors, preventing unchecked urbanization, and promoting eco-friendly industries.

Akçakoca’s efforts to enhance green connectivity and improve access to parks and recreational areas resonate with Düzce’s regional vision of smart urban expansion. Together, these strategies aim to build cities that are resilient to environmental challenges while fostering economic diversification. The emphasis on human resource development, particularly through local universities, ensures that these cities can thrive in a modern, knowledge-driven economy.

In conclusion, the future of Akçakoca and Düzce lies in their ability to harmonize economic growth with environmental preservation. By integrating green infrastructure into urban design and fostering sustainable industries, these cities can become models of ecological resilience and economic vitality, setting a standard for the rest of Turkey to follow.