For nearly four decades, 69-year-old Ali İhsan Emre, a lifelong resident of Fethiye, has devoted himself to protecting nature — particularly the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and the region’s thriving birdlife. What began as a local passion became a lifetime mission that helped shape both Fethiye’s environmental identity and its eco-tourism reputation.
Emre, a volunteer environmentalist, has spent 45 years safeguarding the nesting grounds of loggerhead turtles along Çalış Beach and Yanıklar Beach, ensuring thousands of hatchlings make their way safely to the sea each summer. His pioneering spirit led to the development of Turkey’s first wire cage protection system for turtle nests — an innovation now used internationally, even in California.
“This cage project began in Turkey about 30 years ago,” Emre explained. “We improved the design so that the cages wouldn’t rust and would protect the eggs better. It became the most beautiful nest protection cage in the world.”
A Visionary Conservationist
Beyond turtle conservation, Emre played a vital role in identifying a 150-acre area near Çalış Beach as a key stopover for migratory birds — a haven that later became the officially registered Fethiye Bird Sanctuary in 2007. His decades of bird census work revealed the presence of over 230 bird species, making the area one of southwestern Turkey’s most ecologically valuable habitats.
“These birds have been migrating from pole to pole for millions of years,” Emre said. “Wherever they stop, that place has value. We’ve been conducting censuses in Fethiye for 35 years. This sanctuary is a breathing space — for both nature and people.”
Personal Sacrifice, Global Impact
Emre’s dedication came at a personal cost. In his first 20 years of volunteer work, he spent $40,000–50,000 of his own money on conservation activities, including supporting teams of student volunteers from the University of Vienna who joined him each summer to monitor the turtles.
Despite having no financial gain, Emre says the rewards lie in the survival of the species he protects. “I’ve been working for 35 years. I dedicated half my life to this. There was no government support back then — we managed it ourselves, and it turned out wonderfully.”
A Guardian of Fethiye’s Natural Heritage
Emre’s influence extends beyond science — his work underscores the connection between conservation and tourism.
“Loggerhead sea turtles come to Fethiye’s beaches from thousands of kilometers away,” he said. “In a survey we did 20 years ago, 22 percent of tourists said they came to Çalış to see the turtles. Without them, there’s no tourism.”
The turtles, he explains, are vital to marine balance. They keep jellyfish populations under control, contributing to cleaner seas and healthier ecosystems.
The Ongoing Mission
Today, Emre continues his volunteer work with the same passion, collaborating with Pamukkale University and the Ministry of Environment. Recent studies show around 120–150 turtle nests annually in Fethiye, producing up to 8,000 hatchlings each year.
He regularly sets up public awareness stands, teaching locals and visitors alike about loggerhead turtles, migratory birds, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
“On-duty protection only lasts for a short time,” Emre said. “But volunteers continue the work — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As long as I can, I will keep working for Fethiye’s nature.”
Through his tireless efforts, Ali İhsan Emre has become a symbol of grassroots conservation — a man who turned personal devotion into lasting environmental change, ensuring that both the loggerhead turtles and the birds of Fethiye continue to thrive for generations to come.
Source: Fethiye TV
