Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (Türkiye) — Unofficial English Translation

PART ONE – Introductory Provisions

Article 1 – Purpose

(1) The purpose of this Regulation is to regulate the administrative and technical procedures and principles to be complied with in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

Article 2 – Scope

(1) This Regulation covers:

a) for which types of projects the Environmental Impact Assessment Application File, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and the Project Information File shall be required, and the subjects they shall contain,

b) the administrative and technical procedures and principles to be complied with in the Environmental Impact Assessment process,

c) the monitoring, control and inspection of projects falling within the scope of Environmental Impact Assessment during the application, pre-construction, construction, operation and post-operation stages,

ç) the training work necessary for the Environmental Impact Assessment system to be applied effectively and widely in environmental management and for strengthening its institutional structure.

Article 3 – Legal basis

(1) This Regulation has been prepared on the basis of Article 10 of the Environment Law No. 2872 dated 9/8/1983.

Article 4 – Definitions

(1) In this Regulation:

a) Public announcement (anons): the audible announcement made by the relevant municipalities and mukhtar offices, in the place(s) where the public that will be, or is likely to be, affected by the project lives, concerning the EIA process of the project planned to be carried out,

b) [Amended: OG 26.06.2025-32938] Notice-board posting (askıda ilan): the written notice concerning the EIA process of the project planned to be carried out, posted on the notice boards located at the provincial directorate, the district governorship and the mukhtar office in the place(s) where the public that will be, or is likely to be, affected by the project lives,

c) Ministry: the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change,

ç) Institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry: institutions/organisations meeting the conditions required to prepare and submit the environmental impact assessment application file, environmental impact assessment report, project information file and project progress report,

d) Application fee: the amount determined by the Ministry according to the project cost of the projects included in the list in Annex-2, evidence of payment of which must be presented by the project owner or its authorised representative at the time of application,

e) Environmental impact assessment (EIA): the studies to be carried out in determining the possible positive and negative effects on the environment of projects planned to be carried out; in determining and evaluating the measures to be taken to prevent adverse effects or to minimise them to a degree that will not harm the environment, and the selected site and technology alternatives; and in monitoring and controlling the implementation of projects,

f) Environmental impact assessment application file: the file prepared on the basis of the general format set out in Annex-3,

g) Environmental impact assessment general format: the general format in Annex-3 to be taken as the basis in the preparation of the EIA application file, which contains the characteristics, location, possible effects and envisaged measures of the projects planned to be carried out and included in the list in Annex-1, and which introduces the project in its general dimensions,

ğ) [Repealed: OG 05.03.2026-33187]

h) Environmental impact assessment [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] report required decision (“EIA Report Required”): the Ministry decision stating that, as a result of the review and evaluation of the projects included in the list in Annex-2 that are subject to preliminary examination and evaluation of environmental effects, an environmental impact assessment report must be prepared,

ı) [Sub-paragraph whose execution was stayed by the decision of the Plenary of the Administrative Law Chambers of the Council of State dated 26/10/2023, YD Objection No. 2023/796] [Re-enacted: OG 26.06.2025-32938] Environmental impact assessment project area: the area bounded by the coordinates within which the main and auxiliary units of the project planned to be carried out are located,

i) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Environmental impact assessment positive decision (“EIA Positive”): the Ministry decision stating that no objection is seen, from an environmental standpoint, to the realisation of the project, upon determination — taking into account the evaluations made by the Commission regarding the environmental impact assessment report of projects to which environmental impact assessment is to be applied — that the likely adverse effects of the project on the environment are, as a result of the measures to be taken, at levels acceptable under the relevant legislation and scientific principles; and the Ministry decision stating that no objection is seen, from an environmental standpoint, to the realisation of the project, upon determination, as a result of the review and evaluation of the project information file of projects included in the list in Annex-2 that are subject to preliminary examination and evaluation of environmental effects, that the likely adverse effects of the project on the environment are, as a result of the measures to be taken, at an acceptable level under the relevant legislation and scientific principles,

j) Environmental impact assessment negative decision (“EIA Negative”): the Ministry decision stating, taking into account the evaluations made by the Commission regarding the environmental impact assessment report, that an objection is seen, from an environmental standpoint, to the realisation of the project because of its likely adverse effects on the environment,

k) Environmental impact assessment report: the report to be prepared according to the special format determined for a project included in the list in Annex-1 or for which the Ministry has issued an “Environmental Impact Assessment [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Report Required” decision,

l) Environmental impact assessment report special format: the format, to be taken as the basis in the preparation of the environmental impact assessment report, which defines the issues that must be addressed under the main headings specified in the environmental impact assessment general format in Annex-3, taking into account, by the Commission, the significant environmental aspects of the project and the views and suggestions raised at the public information and participation meeting,

m) Environmental impact assessment process: the process covering the application, pre-construction, construction, operation and post-operation works for carrying out the environmental impact assessment of the project planned to be carried out,

n) Online EIA process management system: the system in which the work and procedures in the EIA process are carried out electronically,

o) Sensitive areas: areas that are sensitive to environmental effects by virtue of their biological, physical, economic, social and cultural characteristics, or in which the existing pollution load has been determined to have reached levels detrimental to the environment and public health, together with the areas deemed necessary to be protected under national legislation and the international conventions to which Türkiye is a party, as set out in Annex-5,

ö) Inspection: the entirety of the work aimed at determining whether, after the “Environmental Impact Assessment Positive” decision has been obtained [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] for the project planned to be carried out, [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] the construction, operation and post-operation periods are conducted in line with the conditions forming the basis of the decision,

p) Integrated project: projects subject to this Regulation that comprise more than one activity interconnected and complementary in terms of their fields of activity or functions,

r) Impact: the changes likely to arise, directly or indirectly, in the short or long term, temporarily or permanently, positively or negatively, in the elements of the environment during the preparation, construction and operation, or after the operation, of a project planned to be carried out,

s) Impact area: the area affected by a project planned to be carried out in the pre-operation, operation and post-operation periods,

ş) Public: citizens of the Republic of Türkiye and foreigners residing in Türkiye,

t) Public information and participation in the process: every kind of activity (brochures, promotional films, official announcements, meetings, information offices and the like), the details of which are set out in the stakeholder engagement plan, for informing the public about the project and obtaining their views and suggestions regarding the project from the beginning to the end of the EIA process,

u) Concerned public: the public that is affected, or is likely to be affected, by the project planned to be carried out,

ü) Provincial Directorate: the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change,

v) Out of scope: projects which, by their nature, process, type, production method etc., are not included in this Regulation, or which, although included in this Regulation, are planned below the threshold values set in the lists in Annex-1 and Annex-2,

y) Scoping and special format determination: the work and procedures to be carried out for projects subject to the EIA process from after the public information and participation meeting up to the stage of issuing the format,

z) Commission: the Commission (Review and Evaluation Commission, IEC) established by the Ministry to determine the scope of the special format to be issued for the project and to review and evaluate the EIA report prepared,

aa) Cumulative impact assessment: the identification and analysis of the environmental risks and effects that the project planned to be carried out may create on the area in which it is planned and on the areas or resources directly affected by the project, together with other existing, planned or directly project-related activities,

bb) Force majeure: an external de facto situation, such as a natural disaster, a state of emergency, or administrative court decisions (where there is a stay of execution/annulment decision affecting the realisation of the project as a whole), which directly prevents the commencement of investment within the decision validity period defined in this Regulation for projects for which an [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] EIA Positive decision has been issued,

cc) Special format fee: the amount determined by the Ministry according to the project cost of the projects whose EIA application file is submitted to the Ministry under [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Articles 7 and 24, evidence of payment of which by the project owner or its authorised representative must be presented in order for the EIA report special format to be issued,

çç) Stakeholder engagement plan: the plan explaining how, and by which methods and tools, communication will be established and information provided, at all stages of the planned project, with the legal/natural persons (stakeholders) that may be affected by the project, may affect the project or may be concerned with the project,

dd) Project: the investment planned to be carried out,

ee) Project cost: the minimum investment amount of the units/facilities to be actually built on site within the scope of the project (land acquisition, site preparation, building and construction costs, machinery, equipment and installation costs, set-up costs and the like),

ff) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Project progress report: the report containing the progress recorded regarding the construction period of the investment, at the intervals determined by the commission, after an EIA Positive decision has been obtained through the preparation of an EIA report,

gg) Project owner: the natural or legal person who will carry out the project,

ğğ) Project information file: the file prepared on the basis of the general format set out in Annex-4 for projects subject to preliminary examination and evaluation of environmental effects,

hh) Commencement of investment: the commencement of construction activities, or the commencement of production, of the main or auxiliary units in the project subject to the decision, after the necessary permits have been obtained under the legislation in force, following the [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] EIA Positive decision obtained for the project planned to be carried out,

ıı) Monitoring of the investment process: the evaluations made on the basis of the project progress report after the “Environmental Impact Assessment Positive” decision has been obtained for the project planned to be carried out,

ii) [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Exempt: projects which, by their nature, process, type or production method, are included in the lists in Annex-1 and Annex-2 but which were not included in the [EIA] Regulation in force on the date they commenced operation or production, or to which the provisions of this Regulation do not apply by reason of rights acquired under the provisions of this Regulation,

jj) [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Waste subject to special treatment: waste electrical and electronic equipment, waste batteries and accumulators, end-of-life vehicles, end-of-life tyres, waste oils and waste vegetable oils, which are subject to special management under waste management practices,

kk) [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Project revision application fee: the amount determined by the Ministry, to be paid and evidenced by the project owner or its authorised representative, in respect of the application for projects for which an EIA Positive decision has been issued and for which an areal revision of the main and/or auxiliary units, without capacity increase, is planned within the boundaries of the EIA project area forming the basis of the decision,

means.

PART TWO – General Provisions

Article 5 – Authority

(1) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The authority to issue “EIA Positive”, “EIA Negative” and “EIA Report Required” decisions regarding projects subject to this Regulation belongs to the Ministry. However, where it deems necessary, the Ministry may delegate to the provincial directorate, by setting its limits, its authority to issue “EIA Positive” and/or “EIA Report Required” decisions for projects included in the list in Annex-2.

(2) Before an [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] “EIA Positive” decision is issued in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation:

a) Where it is determined that the realisation of the project is not appropriate under the relevant legislation, the EIA process shall be terminated regardless of its stage. The termination of the EIA process shall be announced on the websites of the Ministry and the provincial directorate.

b) Upon the request of the project owner or its authorised representative, the EIA process shall be terminated regardless of its stage. The termination of the EIA process shall be announced on their websites by the Ministry and the provincial directorate.

Article 6 – Obligation to prepare an environmental impact assessment application file, environmental impact assessment report or project information file

(1) Natural or legal persons planning to carry out a project within the scope of this Regulation are obliged to have the EIA Application File and the EIA Report prepared for their projects subject to Environmental Impact Assessment, and the Project Information File prepared for their projects subject to Preliminary Examination and Evaluation of Environmental Effects, by institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry; to ensure that these are submitted to the relevant authority; and to comply with the undertakings they give within the scope of the project.

(2) Public institutions/organisations are obliged, in the process of fulfilling the provisions of this Regulation, to provide all information, documents and opinions on the relevant subject requested by project owners or by institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry.

(3) Unless an “Environmental Impact Assessment Positive” decision [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] is obtained for projects subject to this Regulation, no incentive, approval, permit, building permit or occupancy permit may be granted for such projects, no investment may be commenced for the project and the project may not be put out to tender. However, this does not prevent applications being made to the said incentive, approval, permit and licence processes.

PART THREE – Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure

Article 7 – Projects to which environmental impact assessment shall be applied

(1) Preparation of an EIA report is mandatory for the following projects under this Regulation:

a) projects included in the list in Annex-1,

b) projects for which an [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] “EIA Report Required” decision has been issued,

c) projects assessed as out of scope or [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] having an exemption, where a capacity increase and/or area expansion is planned and the new capacity of the project, together with the existing project capacity and the sum of capacity increases, falls within the list in Annex-1.

Article 8 – Initiation of the environmental impact assessment process and establishment of the commission

(1) With respect to the projects defined in Article 7, institutions/organisations authorised by the project owner by power of attorney and holding a competency certificate issued by the Ministry shall submit to the Ministry the EIA application file prepared on the basis of the EIA general format set out in Annex-3.

(2) The Ministry shall examine the information and documents in the application file for conformity with the general format. These procedures shall be completed within 5 working days. An EIA application file found not to have been prepared in conformity with the EIA general format in Annex-3 shall be returned for completion of its deficiencies. If the returned EIA application file is not resubmitted within [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] 30 calendar days, the EIA process shall be terminated. [Added sentence: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The 30-calendar-day period granted for the completion of deficiencies refers to the total period to be used by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry.

(3) Where, as a result of the examination, it is decided that the application file has been prepared in conformity with the general format in Annex-3, a Commission composed of the relevant public institutions and organisations and Ministry officials shall be established by the Ministry, taking into account the information in the application file. (Sentence annulled by the decision of the Fourth Chamber of the Council of State dated 6/11/2025, E.: 2023/11530; K.: 2025/5827; Members may be added to or removed from the commission during the EIA process if deemed necessary.)

(4) [Amended: OG 26.06.2025-32938] A notice stating that an application has been made in respect of the project, that the EIA process has started, that the EIA application file has been opened to public opinion, and that views and suggestions regarding the project may be submitted to the provincial directorate or the Ministry until the EIA process is completed, shall be published on the websites of the Ministry and the provincial directorate. It shall also be announced to the public by the provincial directorate by notice-board posting, public announcement and similar means.

(5) The Ministry shall send to the commission members a letter stating the date of the meeting to be held for the purpose of public information and participation in the process, and the final date by which opinions must be given for the determination of the EIA report special format. The EIA application file prepared in accordance with the general format in Annex-3 shall be sent to the Commission members.

(6) Where it deems necessary, the Ministry may, taking into account the subject and type of the project and the characteristics of the site determined for the project, also include universities, institutes, research and specialist organisations, professional chambers, trade unions, associations and civil society organisations in the commission and invite them to its meetings as members.

(7) It is essential that the members serving on the Commission as representatives of institutions and organisations have sufficient professional knowledge and experience and are authorised to give opinions limited to the fields of duty of the institutions/organisations they represent.

Article 9 – Public information and participation meeting

(1) In order to inform the public about the investment and to obtain their views and suggestions regarding the project, a public information and participation meeting (Public Participation Meeting) shall be held, with the participation of the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry and [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] the project owner or its authorised representative, on the date determined by the Ministry, at a central location and time determined by the provincial directorate that is easily accessible to the concerned public expected to be most affected by the project. [Added sentences: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The meeting shall be announced on their websites by the Ministry and the provincial directorate. It shall also be announced to the public by the provincial directorate, through the necessary correspondence, by notice-board posting or public announcement in the places expected to be most affected by the project. Where the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry and the project owner or its authorised representative do not attend the meeting, the meeting shall be postponed once only and held on a new date determined by the Ministry. Where the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry and the project owner or its authorised representative fail to attend for a second time the meeting held on the new date, the EIA process shall be terminated.

(2) The institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry shall have a notice stating the date, time, venue and subject of the meeting published, at least 10 calendar days before the date of the meeting, in a local periodical published in the region where the project will be carried out and in a newspaper defined as a widely circulated periodical.

(3) The public information and participation meeting shall be held under the chairmanship of the provincial director or an official whom he/she designates. At the meeting, the public shall be informed about the project, and their views, suggestions and questions shall be obtained. The views, suggestions and objections raised by the public shall be stated in the minutes to be drawn up regarding the meeting. The chair of the meeting may ask participants to submit their views in writing. [Amended sentence: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The project site inspection and meeting minutes shall be uploaded to the Online EIA Process Management System by the final opinion date, with one copy kept at the provincial directorate.

(4) Before the determination of the special format, the Commission members may inspect the area where the project is planned and may attend the public information and participation meeting to be held on the notified date.

(5) In order to inform the public about the project and its effects and to obtain the public’s views and suggestions regarding the project, a stakeholder engagement plan (SEP) shall be prepared by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry. The stakeholder engagement plan prepared shall be submitted as an annex to the EIA application file. Where it deems necessary, the Ministry may also require the institutions/organisations granted competency to carry out, throughout the EIA process, additional work for informing the public, such as distributing informative brochures, conducting surveys or seminars, or preparing a website about the project and sharing information. Furthermore, this plan shall be updated during the EIA process if requested by the Ministry.

Article 10 – Determination of the environmental impact assessment report special format

(1) The EIA report special format shall be prepared by the Ministry in line with the views and suggestions of the institutions/organisations that are members of the Commission and the views and suggestions received from the public.

(2) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The EIA report special format shall be uploaded to the Online EIA Process Management System within 30 calendar days from the final opinion date notified in writing by the Ministry to the commission members for the format. If the special format fee is not paid within 30 calendar days from the final opinion date, according to the special format fee applicable on the date of payment, the EIA process shall be terminated.

(3) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] After the receipt showing that the format fee has been paid is uploaded to the Online EIA Process Management System, the special format shall be issued by the Ministry within 7 working days.

(4) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry are obliged to submit the EIA report to the Ministry within 1 year from the date of issue of the special format. Where requested before the expiry of the 1-year period, an additional period of at most 180 calendar days may be granted once only. If the EIA report is not submitted within the specified periods, the EIA process shall be terminated.

Article 11 – Submission of the environmental impact assessment report to the Ministry

(1) The EIA report prepared by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry shall be submitted to the Ministry. The examination as to whether the EIA report conforms to its special format and whether it has been prepared by the professional experts required to be included in the designated working group shall be concluded by the Ministry within 7 working days. Where it is found that the EIA report does not conform to its special format and/or has not been prepared by the designated working group, the EIA report shall be returned. The returned EIA report must be submitted to the Ministry within 30 calendar days with its deficiencies completed. If it is not submitted within this period, the EIA process shall be terminated. The 30-calendar-day period granted for the completion of the EIA report refers to the total period to be used by [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry.

(2) For the purpose of obtaining their opinions on the EIA report found to have been prepared in conformity with the special format issued by the Ministry, the commission members shall be invited [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] to the commission meeting by a letter stating the date and venue of the meeting. The EIA report submitted to the Ministry shall be sent to the commission members.

(3) The fact that the review and evaluation process for the project has started and that the EIA report has been opened to public opinion shall be announced on their websites by the Ministry and the provincial directorate. It shall also be announced to the public [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] by the provincial directorate by notice-board posting or public announcement.

(4) Interested parties may notify their views and suggestions on the EIA report to the Ministry or the provincial directorate from the date of its announcement. Opinions notified to the provincial directorate shall be forwarded to the Ministry. These opinions shall be taken into account by the commission and reflected in the EIA report finalised by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry.

Article 12 – Working procedure of the commission and review of the environmental impact assessment report

(1) [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The Commission shall convene with an absolute majority, including members who have notified their opinions in writing by the meeting day and time. Commission members are appointed within the framework of their powers, duties and responsibilities on matters concerning the institution/organisation they represent, and shall express opinions on behalf of their institutions/organisations. The chair of the Commission may ask members at the meeting to submit their opinions in writing. Requests by representatives of institutions/organisations that have given written opinions not to attend subsequent meetings shall be evaluated by the chair of the Commission. [Added sentence: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Commission member institutions/organisations shall also upload their opinions to the Online EIA Process Management System.

(2) The opinion of an institution/organisation that does not notify its opinion within 30 calendar days from the date of the review and evaluation meeting shall be deemed positive. Where additional time is needed to give an opinion, the request shall be submitted in writing to the Ministry by the relevant commission member. Requests of institutions/organisations for additional time shall be taken into consideration by the Ministry.

(3) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The project owner or its authorised representative and the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry shall be present at the meetings to inform the commission members. Where the project owner or its authorised representative and the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry are not present, the meeting shall be postponed once only and held on a new date determined by the Ministry. Where the project owner or its authorised representative and the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry fail to be present for a second time at the meeting held on the new date, the EIA process shall be terminated. Where necessary, commission meetings may also be held electronically by video conference and similar methods. The manner in which the meeting will be held shall be stated in the invitation letter sent to the commission members.

(4) The Commission may request the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry to provide comprehensive information about the project, to supply tools and equipment, and to carry out, or have carried out, analyses, tests and measurements, depending on the subject, by the Ministry or by laboratories of private or public institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry.

(5) In water, soil and similar analyses, recourse may be had to a witness sample in the event of a dispute. The institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry are obliged to submit the results of these procedures to the Ministry.

(6) If it deems necessary, the Commission may carry out inspections, through the members it designates, at the site where the project is planned to be carried out and at similar facilities.

(7) Where significant deficiencies and errors are found in the EIA report, the Commission shall request that these be remedied by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry or by the relevant institutions. In this case, the review and evaluation process shall be suspended. The work of the Commission shall not continue until the deficiencies are completed or the necessary corrections are made.

(8) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry are obliged to complete the deficiencies or make the necessary corrections within 180 calendar days in projects whose process has been suspended. If the EIA report is not submitted within the specified period, the EIA process shall be terminated.

(9) After the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry have made the corrections deemed necessary in the EIA report and resubmitted it to the Ministry, the Commission shall be called to a meeting [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] by a letter stating the date and venue of the meeting. With the holding of the meeting, the review and evaluation process shall resume from where it left off.

(10) In projects whose EIA process was suspended at the first meeting and restarted from where it left off by meeting the conditions in paragraph nine:

a) Where the correction made in the EIA report is not found sufficient at the second meeting of the Commission, the process may be suspended once more. After the second suspension, the EIA report with its deficiencies completed must be submitted to the Ministry within [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] 90 calendar days. If it is not submitted, the EIA process shall be terminated.

b) Where the EIA report is submitted to the Ministry within the period given in sub-paragraph (a) after the second suspension, the commission members shall be called to a meeting for the last time (the third time) to determine whether the requested work has been carried out. In this case, if the corrections made in the report are found sufficient at the commission meeting, the EIA report shall be finalised. If they are not found sufficient, it shall be recorded in minutes that no new commission meeting will be held, and the EIA process shall be terminated.

(11) During the review and evaluation meetings, the Commission shall carry out reviews and evaluations as to:

a) whether the EIA Report and its annexes are sufficient and appropriate,

b) whether the examinations, calculations and evaluations made are based on a sufficient level of data, information and documents,

c) whether the effects the project may have on the environment have been examined comprehensively,

ç) whether the measures necessary to eliminate the adverse effects that may occur on the environment have been included,

d) whether solutions have been provided to the views and suggestions received from the public.

(12) At meetings held with physical attendance, the minutes stating the outcome of the meeting shall be drawn up by the Ministry and signed by the commission members. Where the meeting is held electronically by video conference and similar methods, the minutes showing the institutions/organisations that submitted written opinions or participated by remote access, and stating the outcome of the meeting, shall be drawn up by the Ministry.

Article 13 – Submission to the Ministry of the environmental impact assessment report finalised after review by the Commission and related documents

[Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187]

(1) The EIA report reviewed and finalised by the Commission shall be submitted to the Ministry by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry within 10 calendar days following the conclusion of the commission meetings. If the EIA report is not submitted within the specified period, the EIA process shall be terminated.

(2) Where deficiencies are found in the report submitted, the report shall be returned. If the deficiencies in the returned report are not completed within 60 calendar days from the date of return, the EIA process shall be terminated. The 60-calendar-day period granted for the completion of the finalised EIA report refers to the total period to be used by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry.

Article 14 – Environmental impact assessment positive or environmental impact assessment negative decision

(1) The EIA report reviewed and finalised by the Commission shall be opened to opinion for 10 calendar days by the Ministry and/or the provincial directorate, through notice-board posting and the internet, in order to obtain the views and suggestions of the public. These opinions shall also be evaluated in the Ministry’s decision-making process regarding the project. In line with the opinions received from the public, the Ministry may request that the necessary deficiencies in the content of the report be completed, that additional studies be carried out or that the Commission reconvene. A letter of undertaking stating that the final EIA report and its annexes are under the undertaking of the project owner, together with the notarised signature circular of the official signing the undertaking and the [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] certified Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, shall be submitted to the Ministry within 5 working days. [Added sentence: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The 5-working-day period granted for the completion of the said documents refers to the total period to be used by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry. A notarised signature circular and [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] certified Turkish Trade Registry Gazette shall not be required from public institutions/organisations.

(2) If the documents specified in paragraph one are not submitted within the period without stating a justification, the EIA process of the project shall be terminated.

(3) Taking into account the work of the Commission and the opinions of the public, the Ministry shall issue an “EIA Positive” or “EIA Negative” decision for the project. The decision issued shall be notified to the commission member institutions/organisations whose opinions were obtained, to the project owner and to the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry. [Added sentence: OG 05.03.2026-33187] For projects issued an “EIA Positive” decision, the relevant institutions/organisations are also responsible for carrying out permitting procedures and monitoring and inspection activities under their own legislation, and where the relevant institution/organisation notifies the Ministry or the relevant provincial directorate that action contrary to the matters/undertakings in the opinions of the commission member institutions/organisations has been taken, separate action shall be taken in accordance with the relevant provisions of Law No. 2872.

(4) The “EIA Positive” or “EIA Negative” decision issued for the project shall be announced to the public, from the date of the decision, by publication on the websites of the Ministry and the provincial directorate indefinitely and by notice-board posting for 30 calendar days.

(5) If investment is not commenced within 5 years, in the absence of force majeure, for a project issued an “EIA Positive” decision, the “EIA Positive” decision shall be deemed invalid.

(6) EIA Positive decisions issued for projects for which investment has not commenced shall be deemed invalid upon the request of the project owner and the approval of the request by the Ministry. Decisions deemed invalid in this way shall be announced on their websites by the Ministry and the provincial directorate.

PART FOUR – Preliminary Examination and Evaluation Procedure

Article 15 – Projects subject to preliminary examination and evaluation of environmental effects

(1) Preparation of a project information file is mandatory under this Regulation for:

a) projects included in the list in Annex-2,

b) projects assessed as out of scope or [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] having an exemption, where a capacity increase and/or expansion is planned and the new capacity of the project, together with the existing project capacity and the sum of capacity increases, falls within the list in Annex-2.

Article 16 – Application and examination

(1) For the purpose of examining the environmental effects of the projects defined in Article 15, a project information file shall be prepared according to the format in Annex-4 by institutions/organisations authorised by the project owner by power of attorney and granted competency by the Ministry. The project information file prepared shall be submitted to the Ministry together with a letter of undertaking, approved by the project owner, stating that the information and documents in the project information file and its annexes are correct, and with the receipt showing that the application fee has been paid.

(2) The Ministry shall examine the project information file prepared for the project within the framework of the format in Annex-4 within 5 working days. A project information file found not to have been prepared in conformity with the format shall be returned for completion. The file with its deficiencies completed shall be resubmitted to the Ministry within 15 calendar days. If it is not submitted, the EIA process shall be terminated. For a project information file found to have been prepared in conformity with the format, the EIA review and evaluation process for the project concerned shall be initiated.

(3) In projects whose project information file is found to have been prepared in conformity with the format and for which the EIA review and evaluation process has been initiated [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] after a project site inspection by the Ministry:

a) In cases where it is not considered necessary to obtain the opinions of institutions/organisations or to hold a meeting, where the file prepared is found sufficient, and in similar cases, the EIA review and evaluation process shall be completed by the Ministry within 15 working days and the decision stage shall be reached.

b) Where deemed necessary by the Ministry, taking into account the information in the file, written opinions may be requested from the relevant institutions/organisations or a meeting may be held with the relevant institutions/organisations. The opinion of an institution/organisation that does not notify its opinion within 30 calendar days from the date of the letter requesting an opinion, where a written opinion is requested, or from the date of the meeting, where a meeting is held, shall be deemed positive. Where additional time is needed to give an opinion, the request shall be submitted in writing to the Ministry by the relevant commission member. Requests of institutions/organisations for additional time shall be taken into consideration by the Ministry. [Added sentence: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Commission member institutions/organisations shall also upload their opinions to the Online EIA Process Management System.

c) Where deemed necessary by the Ministry, the institutions/organisations granted competency may be requested to provide comprehensive information about the project, to supply tools and equipment, and to carry out or have carried out analyses, tests and measurements.

(4) The deficiencies identified in the file or the information/documents that must be included in it, together with the opinions of institutions/organisations obtained, shall be communicated in writing by the Ministry to the institution/organisation granted competency. The project information file prepared by the competent institution/organisation in line with the opinions communicated by the Ministry shall be submitted to the Ministry within [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] 180 calendar days. If the project information file is not submitted within this period, the EIA process shall be terminated.

(5) Notification of deficiencies may be made by the Ministry at most 3 times. If the returned project information file is not submitted within the period, or the correction made is not found sufficient, the EIA process shall be terminated. The [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] 180-calendar-day period granted for the completion of a project information file for which deficiencies have been notified refers to the total period to be used by the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry.

(6) Where the project information file is submitted within the specified period and the information/documents are found sufficient, the decision stage shall be reached.

Article 17 – EIA Positive or EIA Report Required decision for projects subject to preliminary examination and evaluation of environmental effects

[Amended together with its heading: OG 05.03.2026-33187]

(1) The Ministry shall, within 5 working days, issue an “EIA Positive” or “EIA Report Required” decision regarding a project for which the review and evaluation process has been completed and the decision stage reached. The decision issued shall be notified to the provincial directorate, the institutions/organisations whose opinions were obtained, the project owner and the institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry. This decision shall be announced to the public by the provincial directorate by publication on its website indefinitely and by notice-board posting for 30 calendar days. For projects issued an “EIA Positive” decision, the relevant institutions/organisations are also responsible for carrying out permitting procedures and monitoring and inspection activities under their own legislation, and where the relevant institution/organisation notifies the Ministry or the relevant provincial directorate that action contrary to the matters/undertakings in the opinions of the commission member institutions/organisations has been taken, separate action shall be taken in accordance with the relevant provisions of Law No. 2872.

(2) If investment is not commenced within 5 years, in the absence of force majeure, for a project issued an “EIA Positive” decision, the “EIA Positive” decision shall be deemed invalid. Decisions deemed invalid in this way shall be announced on their websites by the Ministry and the provincial directorate.

(3) “EIA Positive” decisions issued for projects for which investment has not commenced shall be deemed invalid upon the request of the project owner and the approval of the request by the Ministry. Decisions deemed invalid in this way shall be announced on their websites by the Ministry and the provincial directorate.

(4) For projects issued an “EIA Report Required” decision, an application must be made to the Ministry by preparing an EIA application file. However, where the conditions forming the basis of the “EIA Report Required” decision change, a new application may be made in accordance with the provisions of Article 15.

PART FIVE – Monitoring and Inspection

Article 18 – Monitoring and inspection of the investment

(1) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] With regard to projects issued an “EIA Positive” decision, the Ministry shall monitor, control and inspect whether the matters undertaken in the final EIA report or the project information file forming the basis of the “EIA Positive” decision are fulfilled. The Ministry shall verify the accuracy of the work and procedures stated in the project progress reports based on the final EIA report.

(2) While performing the duties in paragraph one, the Ministry shall cooperate with the relevant institutions/organisations where it deems necessary.

(3) After obtaining the “EIA Positive” [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] decision, the project owner is obliged to notify the Ministry or the relevant provincial directorate of changes planned in the project that are subject to this Regulation.

(4) [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] The project owner of projects issued an “EIA Positive” decision through the preparation of an EIA report is obliged to have the project progress report, containing the progress recorded in the investment at the intervals determined by the commission, prepared by institutions/organisations granted competency by the Ministry that did not take part in the preparation of the EIA report of the project concerned, to upload it to the electronic system and to submit it during Ministry inspections. The method for fulfilling this obligation shall be determined by the Ministry.

Article 19 – Stopping of practices contrary to this Regulation

(1) In projects within the scope of this Regulation:

a) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Activities falling within the scope of Projects to which Environmental Impact Assessment shall be Applied and commenced without obtaining an “EIA Positive” decision shall be stopped, without a period being granted, by the Ministry or, upon the written instruction of the Ministry, directly by the provincial directorate; and activities falling within the scope of Projects subject to Preliminary Examination and Evaluation of Environmental Effects and commenced without obtaining an “EIA Positive” decision shall be stopped, without a period being granted, by the highest local civil administrative authority. The stop order relating to the investment shall not be lifted unless an “EIA Positive” decision is obtained. If an “EIA Positive” decision is not obtained, the investor is obliged to restore the activity area to its former state. Action shall be taken in this regard in accordance with the relevant provisions of Law No. 2872.

b) Where it is determined, after the “EIA Positive” decision [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] has been issued, that the project owner has not complied with the matters undertaken in the final EIA report or the project information file, a period may be granted by the Ministry/provincial directorate with respect to the project, once only and not exceeding one year, for compliance with those undertakings. If the matters undertaken are not complied with at the end of this period, the investment shall be stopped. The stop order shall not be lifted unless the obligations are fulfilled. Action shall be taken in this regard in accordance with the relevant provisions of Law No. 2872.

PART SIX – Miscellaneous and Final Provisions

Article 20 – Capacity increases

(1) Where a capacity increase and/or area expansion is planned in projects that have an “EIA Positive” [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] decision and a threshold value, each capacity increase amount shall be added to the existing project capacity, and where this total:

a) is at or above the threshold value in the list in Annex-1, an application must be made under Article 8;

b) is at or above the threshold value in the list in Annex-2, an application must be made under Article 16.

(2) Where a capacity increase and/or expansion is planned in projects that have an “EIA Positive” [Repealed phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] decision, the effects of the planned project shall be assessed cumulatively together with the environmental effects forming the basis of the existing decision.

Article 21 – Change of project owner, transfer of the project or change of trade name

[Amended together with its heading: OG 05.03.2026-33187]

(1) Where the project owner changes for any reason, the new owner of the project is obliged to submit to the relevant provincial directorate, within 90 calendar days, the information and documents relating to the transfer of the project [transfer agreement (approved by a notary or the relevant administration), title deed, enforcement/tender result documents approved by the relevant administration and the like], a letter of undertaking stating that the final EIA report/project information file and its annexes are under the undertaking of the new owner of the project, and the notarised signature circular of the official signing the undertaking together with the certified Turkish Trade Registry Gazette. From the date of transfer, the undertakings and obligations of the previous owner of the project shall be deemed assumed by the new owner of the project without the need for any further procedure.

(2) Where the trade name of the project owner changes, there is an obligation to submit to the relevant provincial directorate, within 90 calendar days, a certified copy of the information and documents relating to the change of trade name (Turkish Trade Registry Gazette and the like), together with a letter of undertaking reissued under the new trade name and the notarised signature circular of the official signing the undertaking; and all undertakings and obligations relating to the project shall be deemed assumed from the date of the change of trade name without the need for any further procedure.

(3) The evaluation of applications for change of project owner and/or trade name shall be carried out by the relevant provincial directorate following an on-site inspection.

Article 22 – Strengthening of environmental impact assessment practices

(1) With respect to EIA practices, the Ministry may, where necessary in cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions/organisations, carry out all kinds of training, plan, programme and project work; prepare books, booklets, guides and all kinds of documents; and organise seminars and meetings.

Article 23 – Military projects

(1) EIA practices relating to military projects shall be determined by the Ministry upon obtaining the opinion of the Ministry of National Defence or the Ministry of Interior.

Article 24 – Extraordinary situations and special provisions

(1) The procedure relating to the EIA process to be applied for the following projects shall be determined by the Ministry:

a) Transformation of areas at disaster risk; projects planned to be partially or wholly re-built at the location of any investment that has collapsed, deteriorated, been destroyed or damaged as a result of natural disasters; and projects that must be carried out urgently to prevent environmental pollution arising in natural disasters, [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] drought, accidents and similar emergencies.

b) Projects that are not subject to this Regulation, or projects that are subject to the list in Annex-2 but for which the project owner’s request to prepare an EIA report has been approved by the Ministry.

c) Projects planned to be established in organised industrial zones, specialised organised industrial zones, industrial zones, free zones and technology development zones.

ç) Projects planned to be established in areas for which a strategic environmental assessment has been carried out.

d) Changes intended to be made by applying a technology change aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing the use of natural resources and/or reducing environmental pollution, and projects involving R&D studies or prototype production.

e) Projects involving any kind of change to be made in projects which are in the lists in Annex-1 or Annex-2 and have no threshold value.

f) [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Projects relating to existing tourism facilities in operation located in areas designated in approved plans as culture and tourism conservation and development regions, tourism centres or tourism facility areas, and in provincial or district centres with high urban building density within municipal and adjacent area boundaries, and to capacity increases to be made at these facilities.

g) [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Projects for which an “EIA Positive” decision has been issued and for which, against payment of the project revision application fee, an areal revision of the main and/or auxiliary units is planned without capacity increase within the boundaries of the EIA project area forming the basis of the decision.

Article 25 – Integrated projects

(1) Where an integrated project covering more than one project subject to this Regulation is planned, the Ministry shall require a single EIA application file/project information file to be prepared for the integrated project.

Article 26 – Competency certificate

(1) Institutions and organisations that will prepare project information files, EIA application files, EIA reports and project progress reports are obliged to obtain a competency certificate from the Ministry. The procedures and principles relating to the issuance of the competency certificate, the inspection of the institutions/organisations granted a competency certificate and the cancellation of the certificate shall be regulated by the Ministry.

Article 27 – Online EIA process management system

(1) Work and procedures relating to the EIA process shall be carried out through the Online EIA Process Management System (e-ÇED). The work and procedures relating to the operation of the Online EIA Process Management System shall be determined by the Ministry and announced on the Ministry’s website.

Article 28 – Regulatory power

(1) Where it deems necessary, the Ministry may make [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] regulations relating to the implementation of this Regulation.

Article 29 – Regulation repealed

(1) The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation published in Official Gazette No. 29186 dated 25/11/2014 has been repealed.

Provisional Article 1 – Transition process

(1) To projects whose EIA application file/project information file was submitted to the provincial directorate or the Ministry before the date of entry into force of this Regulation, the favourable provisions of this Regulation and/or the provisions of the Regulation in force on the date of application shall apply.

(2) [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] To projects that were evaluated within the scope of the list in Annex-2 of this Regulation and for which a decision stating that no objection is seen to their realisation from an environmental standpoint was issued before the date of entry into force of Article 1 of the Law No. 7554 on Amendments to Certain Laws dated 19/7/2025, and whose decision remains valid, the provisions specified within the scope of the “EIA Positive” decision in Parts Four, Five and Six of this Regulation shall apply.

Provisional Article 2 – Projects having a right of exemption [Amended heading: OG 05.03.2026-33187]

(1) Projects documented to have commenced production and/or operation before the date of publication of the repealed Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation published in Official Gazette No. 21489 dated 7/2/1993 are exempt from the provisions of this Regulation.

(2) Projects that were included in the public investment programme before 23/6/1997 and that had commenced production or operation as of 29/5/2013, together with the structures and facilities mandatory for their realisation, are exempt from the provisions of this Regulation.

Article 30 – Entry into force

(1) This Regulation shall enter into force on the date of its publication.

Article 31 – Execution

(1) The provisions of this Regulation shall be executed by the Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.

[Annexes: see below — published on mevzuat.gov.tr as a separate file, “7.5.39647-Ek.doc”.]

ANNEX-1 – LIST OF PROJECTS TO WHICH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SHALL BE APPLIED

ANNEX-2 – PROJECTS SUBJECT TO PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

(The lower limits in the list in Annex-1 are taken as upper limits in this list)

ANNEX-3 – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT GENERAL FORMAT

(format; translated in full below as the source text is short)

Title Page:
Name of the Project Owner:
Address:
Telephone, Mobile and Fax Number:
E-mail:
Name of the Project:
Project Cost:
Full Address of the Site Selected for the Project (Province, District, Locality):
Position of the Project within the Scope of the EIA Regulation (Sector, Sub-sector):
Main NACE Code of the Project:
NACE Codes of the Related Activities of the Project:
Name of the Working Group / Organisation Preparing the Report:
Address:
Telephone and Fax Numbers:
Submission Date of the Application File:
Table of Contents:
Non-Technical Summary of the Project:

Part I: Description and Characteristics of the Project
a) Description, characteristics, [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] cost, lifetime, service purposes, importance and necessity of the investment that is the subject of the project.
b) Site and technology alternatives of the project; coordinates of the site selected for the project.

Part II: Existing Environmental Characteristics of the Project Site and Impact Area
Characteristics of the project area and of the environment likely to be affected by the proposed project, such as population, fauna, flora, geological and hydrogeological characteristics, natural hazard status, soil, water, air, atmospheric conditions, climatic factors, ownership status, cultural property and conservation-site (sit) characteristics, landscape characteristics, land use status, degree of sensitivity, and groundwater level changes that will affect historic environments and conservation sites (also taking into account the List of Sensitive Areas in Annex-5).

Part III: Environmental Effects of the Project in the Construction and Operation Phases and Measures to be Taken
Of the project:
a) Identification of possible problems that may affect the environment, quantities of pollutants, interaction with the receiving environment, identification of cumulative effects.
b) The effect of the project on climate (nature and magnitude of greenhouse gas emissions) and how the project will be affected by climate change.
c) Risk of disasters or accidents relevant to the project linked to climate change.
ç) Measures to be taken to reduce the adverse effects the project may have on the environment.

Part IV: Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment

Part V: Environmental and Social Action Plan
V-1: Environmental Monitoring Plan.
V-2: Sustainability Plan (Zero Waste Plan, Traffic Management Plan, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, Environmental and Social Management Plan etc.).

Part VI: Public Information and Participation in the Process and Stakeholder Engagement Plan
Methods proposed for identifying the concerned public likely to be affected by the project and for reflecting the views of the public in the environmental impact assessment study.
Other parties whose views are envisaged to be sought.
Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

Part VII: Notes, References and Annexes
1- Information and documents used in the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Application File, and documents relating to the techniques used in the report that cannot be presented in the report text.
2- Coordinates of the site selected for the project.
3- Environmental plan, master plan, implementation zoning plan, site plan or plan amendment proposals, if any, for the site determined for the project and its alternatives.
4- [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Report showing that a site inspection has been carried out in the activity area by the institution/organisation granted competency by the Ministry.
5- Documents previously obtained from the relevant institutions in connection with the project.
6- Power of Attorney, Signature Circular and [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.
7- [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Other information and documents.

ANNEX-4 – PROJECT INFORMATION FILE (PIF) GENERAL FORMAT

(format; translated in full below as the source text is short)

Title Page:
Name of the Project Owner:
Address:
Telephone, Mobile and Fax Number:
E-mail:
Name of the Project:
Project Cost:
Full Address of the Site Selected for the Project (Province, District, Locality):
Position of the Project within the Scope of the EIA Regulation (Sector, Sub-sector):
Main NACE Code of the Project:
NACE Codes of the Related Activities of the Project:
Name of the Working Group / Organisation Preparing the Report:
Address:
Telephone and Fax Numbers:
Submission Date of the Project Information File:
Table of Contents:
Non-Technical Summary of the Project:

Part I: Characteristics of the Project:
a) Alternatives of the project and of the site (reasons for selecting the project technology and the project area).
b) Work flow chart, capacity, area covered, [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] investment cost and technology of the project, and number of personnel to be employed.
c) Use of natural resources (land use, water use, type of energy used etc.).
ç) Characteristics (kind, type, quantity etc.) of all kinds of waste generated in the construction and operation phases of the project, and evaluations regarding their disposal and recovery.
d) Risk of accidents that may arise from the technology and materials used.

Part II: Existing Environmental Characteristics of the Project Site and Impact Area:
a) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Existing land use (agricultural area, forest area, planned area, water surface and similar) and its quality; geological and hydrogeological characteristics.
b) Areas to be protected, taking into account the List of Sensitive Areas in Annex-5.

Part III: Environmental Effects of the Project in the Construction and Operation Phases, Identification of Priority Effects and Measures to be Taken

Part IV: Cumulative Impact Assessment

Part V: Environmental and Social Action Plan
V-1: Environmental Monitoring Plan.
V-2: Sustainability Plan (Zero Waste Plan, Traffic Management Plan, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, Environmental and Social Management Plan etc.).

Part VI:
[Amended heading: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Notes, References and Annexes:
1- Coordinates of the site selected for the project,
2- In order to assess the existing land use of the project area and its immediate surroundings: brief explanation of information showing data on the locations of settlements, transport networks, power transmission lines, existing facilities and other areas specified in the List of Sensitive Areas in Annex-5 (where located in the project area and its immediate surroundings), plotted on a 1/25,000-scale current map (environmental plan, master plan, implementation zoning plan, site plan or plan amendment proposals, topographic map); geological map [Added phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187], hydrogeological map and seismicity.
3- Power of Attorney, Signature Circular and [Amended phrase: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.
4- Letter of undertaking approved by the project owner.
5- Receipt showing that the application fee has been paid.
6- [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Report showing that a site inspection has been carried out in the activity area by the institution/organisation granted competency by the Ministry.
7- [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Other information and documents.

ANNEX-5 – SENSITIVE AREAS

(list; translated in full below as the source text is short)

A list of the legislation to be consulted during the studies to be carried out in relation to projects within the scope of this Regulation is given below. Any amendments that may be made to the legislation form an integral part of this section.

1. Areas required to be protected under national legislation

a) “National Parks”, “Nature Parks”, “Natural Monuments” and “Nature Conservation Areas” as defined in Article 2 of the National Parks Law and designated under Article 3 of that Law,

b) “Wildlife Protection Areas, Wildlife Development Areas and Wild Animal Settlement Areas” designated under the Terrestrial Hunting Law,

c) Areas defined as “Cultural Property”, “Natural Property”, “Conservation Site (Sit)” and “Protection Area” in sub-items (1), (2), (3) and (5) of sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph one of Article 3 of the Law on the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Property, and determined and registered under that Law and the relevant articles of Law No. 3386 dated 17/6/1987 (Law on the Amendment of Certain Articles of, and the Addition of Certain Articles to, the Law No. 2863 on the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Property),

ç) Fisheries Production and Breeding Areas within the scope of the Fisheries Law,

d) [Amended: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Areas specified in the Regulation on the Protection of Drinking and Utility Water Basins,

e) Areas defined in the Regulation on Air Quality Assessment and Management

f) Areas determined and declared as “Special Environmental Protection Areas” by the President under Article 9 of the Environment Law,

g) Areas placed under protection under the Bosphorus Law,

ğ) Places deemed forest areas under the Forest Law,

h) Areas subject to a construction ban under the Coastal Law,

ı) Areas specified in the Law on the Improvement of Olive Growing and the Grafting of Wild Olives,

i) Areas specified in the Pasture Law,

j) Areas specified in the Regulation on the Protection of Wetlands.

2. Areas required to be protected under international conventions to which Türkiye is a party

a) Among the areas placed under protection under the “Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats” (BERN Convention), the “Protection Zones I and II specified in the Important Sea Turtle Breeding Areas” and the “Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitat and Breeding Areas”.

b) Areas placed under protection under the “Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution” (Barcelona Convention);

1) Areas designated in Türkiye as “Specially Protected Areas” pursuant to the “Protocol concerning Mediterranean Specially Protected Areas”.

2) Areas included in the list of “100 Coastal Historic Sites of Common Mediterranean Interest” published by the United Nations Environment Programme, selected pursuant to the Genoa Declaration.

3) Coastal areas that are the habitat and feeding grounds of “Endangered Marine Species Specific to the Mediterranean” referred to in Article 17 of the Genoa Declaration.

c) Cultural and natural heritage properties inscribed on the World Heritage List pursuant to Articles 1 and 2 of the “Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage”.

ç) Areas placed under protection under the “Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat” (RAMSAR Convention).

d) European Landscape Convention.

3. Areas required to be protected

a) Areas identified in approved Environmental Plans as areas whose existing characteristics are to be preserved and subject to a construction ban (areas whose natural character is to be preserved, biogenetic reserve areas, geothermal areas and the like).

b) Agricultural Areas: agricultural development areas; irrigated areas, areas capable of irrigation and areas of land use capability classes I, II, III and IV; and all class I and II areas used in rain-fed agriculture and special crop plantation areas.

c) Wetlands: all waters, natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, standing or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including depths not exceeding 6 metres at low tide of the sea, that are important as habitats for living organisms, especially waterfowl; marshes, reed beds and peatlands; and the places landward from the shoreline of these areas that remain ecologically wetland.

ç) Lakes, rivers, groundwater operation areas.

d) Areas important for scientific research and/or that are habitats of endangered or potentially endangered species and of species endemic to Türkiye; biosphere reserves, biotopes, biogenetic reserve areas; areas containing geological and geomorphological formations with unique features.

e) [Added: OG 05.03.2026-33187] Drinking and utility water basin protection areas: areas within the natural catchment area of surface and groundwater sources from which drinking and utility water is supplied or is planned to be supplied.

Unofficial English translation. Only the Turkish text published in the Official Gazette is legally binding. Translation date 24.10.2026; latest amendment reflected: Official Gazette 05.03.2026, No. 33187. Translation: Can Cihan Yılmaz, Managing Partner.

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