Sarpten: "If 200 Euros Are Spent Per Donkey, the Problem Can Be Solved in Ten Years"

The killing of 14 donkeys in the Karpas region has sparked outrage. Speaking on Gündem, a program hosted by Ulaş Barış on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Sarpten highlighted the long-standing negligence towards the protection of donkeys in the area.

"Not Just Those Who Pulled the Trigger, but the State is Also Responsible"

Sarpten emphasized that the real issue is the state's failure to take action for the protection of donkeys over the years. "The perpetrators of this atrocity are not only those who pulled the trigger but also the state, which has ignored the region for 20 years, failed to produce solutions, and did not implement existing projects," he said.

Following protests in front of parliament with black wreaths, Sarpten criticized the official statements made by government authorities, calling them unsatisfactory. He pointed out that the problems in Karpas go beyond donkeys, encompassing broader issues such as regional development, environmental protection, and conservation.

"The Budget Allocated for Donkey Protection Was Spent Elsewhere"

Sarpten explained that the Biologists’ Association has long been working on a sustainable solution to control the donkey population in Karpas. However, previous government initiatives have failed to yield results.

He recalled that in 2017, the state allocated 2 million Turkish Lira for a Donkey Management Project. "At that time, the project was funded, but it was never implemented, and the money was diverted elsewhere," Sarpten said.

"If 200 Euros Are Spent Per Donkey, the Problem Can Be Solved in Ten Years"

In 2023, the Nature Park prepared a new donkey management project, with Sarpten being part of the team. "We worked in collaboration with local municipalities and residents. The final conclusion was that if 200 euros were allocated per donkey annually, the issue could be completely resolved within ten years. However, this project has also not been put into action," he stated.

"Everyone Wants the Donkeys to Be Protected, But No One Takes Action"

Sarpten noted that the majority of local residents support the protection of donkeys. "People discuss this issue in their homes, condemn the massacre, and expect someone to take action. But who will?" he questioned.

He stressed that in order to find a sustainable solution for donkey protection in Karpas, the issue must remain on the public agenda. "Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned one thing: if the public forgets about it, so will the politicians. But if people keep talking about it, politicians will eventually have to take action," he said.

As part of the Karpas Management Project, Sarpten mentioned plans to keep donkeys in controlled touristic areas and implement sterilization programs.

"The Pine Processionary Caterpillar Crisis Will Begin in March"

Sarpten also warned about the upcoming pine processionary caterpillar infestation. "By March, the area will once again be overrun with these caterpillars, and officials will remain indifferent," he said.

He criticized politicians for approaching environmental and animal rights issues with a populist mindset. He also claimed that Agriculture Minister Hüseyin Çavuş had promised to address the pine processionary caterpillar problem but that this was merely an empty pledge meant to appease civil society.