The Manavgat Wildfire and Community-Based Resilience: A Comparative Analysis of Ahmetler Village's Collective Action

Due to the climate crisis, the Mediterranean Basin has increasingly faced wildfires in recent years. The massive 2021 Manavgat (Antalya, Türkiye) wildfire destroyed 63.6% of the region's forest cover, devastated settlements, and resulted in loss of life. This case study provides a comparative analysis of Ahmetler Village, which mounted a successful collective action against the wildfire, even in defiance of state-issued evacuation orders. This qualitative research used purposive and snowball sampling, with in-depth interviews conducted among 30 local residents, 9 village headmen, and 17 local institution representatives across 13 neighborhoods, including Ahmetler. The data were thematically analyzed using MAXQDA Plus software. Ahmetler’s response offers critical empirical insights into how community-based resilience can be fostered. As socio-economic and ecological devastation unfolded, public scrutiny increased regarding the disaster’s causes, economic interest groups, and governance failures, particularly within the context of environmental justice. The research identified five key factors contributing to Ahmetler's success in combating the wildfire. First, the village's isolated location limited human intervention, reducing wildfire risk. Second, the community's long-standing expertise as forest villagers proved crucial. Third, strong ties between urban migrants and the village ensured external support in labor and resources. Fourth, women played pivotal leadership roles in the wildfire response, distinguishing Ahmetler from other communities. Finally, the village’s prior experience in resisting the construction of hydroelectric power plants (HPP) had enhanced its organizational capacity and ability to mobilize collective action. Tools and networks developed during the HPP struggle, including associations and social media platforms, facilitated rapid resource coordination. Additionally, water resources secured during the HPP resistance provided the village with strategic advantages in fighting the wildfire. Ahmetler’s experience serves as an important example of how community-based resilience can be strengthened in the face of climate-induced disasters.