Turkey extends maritime conservation efforts by designating new protected zones in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas
Türkiye Expands Marine Conservation Efforts with Two New Protected Zones
Türkiye has taken a significant step towards marine conservation by officially designating two new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The new MPAs, located off the coast of Gökçeada in the Northern Aegean Sea and off the coast of Fethiye-Kaş (near Finike) in the Mediterranean Sea, have been integrated into Türkiye's National Maritime Spatial Planning map, registered with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) under UNESCO.
The new protected zones are designed to safeguard marine ecosystems while allowing for sustainable economic activities like fishing and tourism. They do not restrict freedom of navigation or commercial shipping in these seas. This expansion is part of a broader effort involving multiple Turkish government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
Ankara University's National Maritime Law Research Center (DEHUKAM) is supporting the ongoing coordination for environmental impact assessment and legislative frameworks. In addition, Türkiye has established a Marine Spatial Planning Coordination Board, overseen by the Foreign Ministry, to monitor sea sector activities and improve inter-agency coordination related to marine spatial planning and environmental protection.
This move comes shortly after Greece's recent declarations of new marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas, which Türkiye has criticized as unilateral and potentially infringing on its rights in disputed areas of the Aegean Sea. Türkiye maintains its position on the resolution of problems on the basis of international law, equity, and good neighborliness, and continues to call on Greece to follow developments and take reciprocal steps.
International maritime law encourages cooperation among coastal states in semi-enclosed seas like the Aegean, including on environmental issues. Türkiye is a party to regional marine environment protection agreements, including the Barcelona Convention for the Mediterranean and the Bucharest Convention for the Black Sea. The number of marine protected areas will be increased in every sea in the future.
As Türkiye strengthens its commitment to marine conservation, it is forging a new axis in the Mediterranean with Libya and Italy. A trilateral summit on migration and Gaza took place in Istanbul, involving Erdogan, Italian PM Meloni, and Libya's Dbeibeh. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce has emerged as the top suitor for Heung-Min Son, who has recently left Tottenham after 10 years. The Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft has entered serial production, with delivery expected in 2026.
In conclusion, Türkiye's expansion of MPAs in the Aegean and Mediterranean is part of an official, coordinated national strategy to enhance marine conservation while balancing ecological protection and economic uses, formalized through international registration and new institutional mechanisms for marine spatial planning.
- The new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Türkiye are located off the coast of Gökçeada in the Northern Aegean Sea and off the coast of Fethiye-Kaş (near Finike) in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Ankara University's National Maritime Law Research Center (DEHUKAM) is supporting the ongoing coordination for environmental impact assessment and legislative frameworks in Türkiye's new MPAs.
- The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry are among the Turkish government bodies involved in the broader effort towards marine conservation.
- Türkiye has established a Marine Spatial Planning Coordination Board, overseen by the Foreign Ministry, to monitor sea sector activities and improve inter-agency coordination related to marine spatial planning and environmental protection.
- Türkiye maintains its position on the resolution of problems in the Aegean Sea on the basis of international law, equity, and good neighborliness, following Greece's recent declarations of new marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean Seas.
- As Türkiye strengthens its commitment to marine conservation, it is forging a new axis in the Mediterranean with Libya and Italy, as shown by the trilateral summit on migration and Gaza that took place in Istanbul.
- Beyond marine conservation, Türkiye is making headlines in the realm of sports, as Fenerbahce has emerged as the top suitor for Heung-Min Son, who has recently left Tottenham after 10 years.
