9.3 Methods and Case Study Selection
We applied a qualitative methodology. Discourse analysis, document analysis (i.e.
legal documents) and mass media/social media analysis were adopted to analyse
Turkey’s HEPP policies. In order to achieve an empirical depth in this work,
fieldwork was conducted in Saklıkent (south-western Turkey), Istanbul and Ankara
in 2014. State Hydraulic Works (DSI, Devlet Su Isleri) engineers, NGO representatives, local communities, local administrators and lawyers were among the
participants in individual semi-structured interviews conducted during the field
study. Additionally, for deeper analysis of the Saklıkent HEPP case, four focus
group meetings were conducted with the local communities in the basin.
Each HEPP results in a unique set of socio-spatial transformations, shaped by its
historical, geographical, and technical particularities. Consequently, each case study
revealed different forms, levels, and patterns of socio-environmental relations and
public participation. This chapter seeks to illustrate how hydropower development
disregards the meaningful participation of local communities by focusing on a
particular case study from Turkey – the Saklıkent HEPP in south-western Turkey,
one of nearly 1500 HEPPs under development in the country. Saklıkent was mainly
chosen because HEPP cases in south-western Turkey are relatively underrepresented in the newly emerging literature on HEPPs in Turkey. Furthermore,
the Saklıkent case represents a completed process: all pending court processes were
completed; public opposition was over; and the HEPP construction was withdrawn.
This enabled us to track the entire process and see how legal and administrative
processes at national level were reflected in a real-life case.
Saklıkent Valley is located in south-western Turkey, parts of which have been
recognized as a national park for its renowned natural beauty. Strolling through
Saklıkent Valley, scenic views intertwine with ancient ruins, easily grabbing
attention. Amid this tremendous natural beauty are the main water sources supporting the basin: the Esen Stream and its tributaries. Following the stream away
from the national park and approaching the Valley’s borders by following the
stream, small settlements begin to appear, completing the scene. When visiting
these settlements, it becomes apparent that the stream and natural beauty are seen as
the main livelihoods of the local communities. This is not just apparent from
conversations held in the basin; the greenhouses, fruit gardens, fish-farms, agricultural plots, small touristic businesses, tourists wandering around and trout
restaurants speak for themselves.
In December 2008 two HEPPs were licensed to the same company for construction towards the borders of the Valley (Demir, 2011). These HEPPs were
expected to generate 9.67 MW of electricity. They would also include a reservoir,
covering 230,000 m
2 within the basin. Local communities did not welcome these
HEPPs, however, and they organized a series of opposition movements and initiated court cases between 2010 and 2013. Due to this public opposition, the construction company inquired as to the possibility of withdrawal by applying to the
9 Exploring Environmental Justice: Meaningful Participation …
145
We applied a qualitative methodology. Discourse analysis, document analysis (i.e.
legal documents) and mass media/social media analysis were adopted to analyse
Turkey’s HEPP policies. In order to achieve an empirical depth in this work,
fieldwork was conducted in Saklıkent (south-western Turkey), Istanbul and Ankara
in 2014. State Hydraulic Works (DSI, Devlet Su Isleri) engineers, NGO representatives, local communities, local administrators and lawyers were among the
participants in individual semi-structured interviews conducted during the field
study. Additionally, for deeper analysis of the Saklıkent HEPP case, four focus
group meetings were conducted with the local communities in the basin.
Each HEPP results in a unique set of socio-spatial transformations, shaped by its
historical, geographical, and technical particularities. Consequently, each case study
revealed different forms, levels, and patterns of socio-environmental relations and
public participation. This chapter seeks to illustrate how hydropower development
disregards the meaningful participation of local communities by focusing on a
particular case study from Turkey – the Saklıkent HEPP in south-western Turkey,
one of nearly 1500 HEPPs under development in the country. Saklıkent was mainly
chosen because HEPP cases in south-western Turkey are relatively underrepresented in the newly emerging literature on HEPPs in Turkey. Furthermore,
the Saklıkent case represents a completed process: all pending court processes were
completed; public opposition was over; and the HEPP construction was withdrawn.
This enabled us to track the entire process and see how legal and administrative
processes at national level were reflected in a real-life case.
Saklıkent Valley is located in south-western Turkey, parts of which have been
recognized as a national park for its renowned natural beauty. Strolling through
Saklıkent Valley, scenic views intertwine with ancient ruins, easily grabbing
attention. Amid this tremendous natural beauty are the main water sources supporting the basin: the Esen Stream and its tributaries. Following the stream away
from the national park and approaching the Valley’s borders by following the
stream, small settlements begin to appear, completing the scene. When visiting
these settlements, it becomes apparent that the stream and natural beauty are seen as
the main livelihoods of the local communities. This is not just apparent from
conversations held in the basin; the greenhouses, fruit gardens, fish-farms, agricultural plots, small touristic businesses, tourists wandering around and trout
restaurants speak for themselves.
In December 2008 two HEPPs were licensed to the same company for construction towards the borders of the Valley (Demir, 2011). These HEPPs were
expected to generate 9.67 MW of electricity. They would also include a reservoir,
covering 230,000 m
2 within the basin. Local communities did not welcome these
HEPPs, however, and they organized a series of opposition movements and initiated court cases between 2010 and 2013. Due to this public opposition, the construction company inquired as to the possibility of withdrawal by applying to the
9 Exploring Environmental Justice: Meaningful Participation …
145