$12K fine to protect rare lotus flowers in Canakkale's Nilufer Lake

From May to November, Nilufer Lake in Canakkale's Biga district hosts a stunning display of white lotus flowers each year.

These flowers are believed to have originated from seeds carried over by migratory birds from the Amazon and draw global attention to Kalafat village.

However, visitors must resist the urge to pick these flowers, as they face heavy fines of up to $12,000 for harming the area’s biodiversity.

Local authorities, including the Biga District Governorship and the Canakkale Forestry Department, have transformed the 2-acre lake and its surrounding 10 acres into a thriving ecotourism park.

This effort not only boosts tourism but also protects the local wildlife, maintaining the lake's ecological balance.

Recent initiatives by the Biga Municipality have successfully averted the threat of drought that once loomed over the area. A new water line ensures the lake's vitality.

The continuous water supply has rejuvenated the lake, allowing the Nilufer, also known locally as the lotus flower, to flourish.

Volkan Eren, a facility operator at Nilufer Lake, emphasizes these flowers' historical and natural significance.

"Since Kalafat village was founded in 1861, these lotus flowers have been central to our community's heritage. They bloom, drop seeds into the mud, and then go dormant, only to bloom again the following year," he explained.

Eren also stresses the rigorous efforts to safeguard this rare botanical wonder: "These flowers are so rare that people come every year to see them. We've implemented security measures and surveillance cameras to prevent flower damage. This ensures that the beauty of the lake is preserved for everyone to enjoy."

The stringent fines for picking the flowers underscore the commitment to protecting this unique ecological treasure.

"We need these protections to maintain the integrity of our natural heritage," Eren added.

Source: Newsroom