In 2023, an estimated 100 thousand visitors explored the Kizilirmak Delta Bird Sanctuary, situated in Samsun and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
The Kizilirmak Delta Bird Sanctuary, recognized as one of Turkey’s most significant wetlands, annually welcomes hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. Spanning across 56 thousand hectares on the borders of Samsun’s 19 May, Bafra, and Alaçam districts, this sanctuary stands as a crucial hub for wildlife conservation in Turkey.
On April 13, 2016, the Kızılırmak Delta Bird Sanctuary was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List. This recognition came as a result of the efforts by Samsun Metropolitan Municipality to minimize human intervention in natural life through various conservation practices.
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Visitors to the Kizilirmak Delta Bird Sanctuary, swiftly recognizing the positive impact of conservation efforts led by Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, are limited to exploring the delta solely through bicycles, electric bicycles, and battery-powered vehicles. In 2023, approximately 100 thousand individuals embraced this eco-friendly mode of exploration.
These measures have facilitated a notable increase in both the population of birds and other wildlife within the delta each year. Particularly during winter, the sanctuary becomes a focal point for observing migratory birds, showcasing the effectiveness of conservation initiatives.