Türkiye designates two new marine national parks

ANKARA

A view of the sea and distant mountains under white clouds is seen.

Türkiye has designated two new marine national parks, expanding protection of its coastal and marine ecosystems.

Under presidential decisions published in the Official Gazette on Aug. 15, the Fethiye-Kaş Marine National Park and the North Aegean Marine National Park were established. The latter covers 1,742.14 square kilometers of maritime territory within the provincial boundaries of Çanakkale and Tekirdağ in northwestern Türkiye.

Marine parks are intended to protect designated parts of the sea, preserve habitats of endangered and endemic species, showcase underwater ecosystems, raise public awareness of marine conservation and facilitate scientific research.

The new status is expected to strengthen protection of the North Aegean’s marine ecosystems while establishing a framework for balancing conservation with sustainable use.

Provinces to map climate risks, emissions

Türkiye is also preparing to assess the climate risks and greenhouse gas emissions of all 81 provinces under a regulation published Aug. 4 to advance its 2053 net-zero emissions target. The regulation establishes local climate change action plans and provincial climate coordination boards, bringing local climate policies under a common national framework.

Each province will prepare greenhouse gas inventories, identify climate risks and establish emissions-reduction targets and projects. Measures will cover areas including buildings, transport, industry, agriculture, waste, water management and urban planning, with energy efficiency and renewable energy among the key priorities.

Provincial climate coordination boards, chaired by governors and involving municipalities, public institutions, universities and other stakeholders, are to be established by Dec. 31. The first action plans will cover 2028-2032 and must be approved by Dec. 31, 2027.

Plans will be monitored annually through an online system, while provincial emissions inventories will be updated each year. Progress will be made available to the public through the Climate Portal.