Türkiye's protected natural areas expand to nearly 29,000 square kilometers

Türkiye's network of protected natural areas has grown to encompass 28,907 square kilometers, reflecting a sustained national commitment to environmental conservation. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change reported the expansion, which includes adding 1,777 square kilometers of newly preserved land this year alone.

A Modernized Framework for Conservation

The country's approach to protected areas was comprehensively updated in 2011 to align with the international standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), of which Turkish scientists are active members. This shift moved away from older classification systems and established a modern regulatory framework in 2012, defining clear conditions for protection and sustainable use across diverse ecosystems.

Recent Additions and Categorization

In the latest phase of this work, the ministry designated 851 square kilometers as "qualified natural preserve area" and an additional 457 square kilometers as "sustainable preserve and controlled use area." Furthermore, the tally of strictly protected sensitive zones, where human activity is heavily restricted to safeguard critical habitats, has reached 617, covering a total of 443 square kilometers.

Diverse Ecosystems Under Protection

Türkiye's preserved properties safeguard a remarkable array of the nation's natural heritage. This protected estate includes coastal and marine environments, mountain ranges, forests, river deltas, lakes, steppes, plateaus, deep valleys, canyons, and glacial formations. The conservation strategy aims to prevent biodiversity loss, protect native plant and animal species, promote sustainable use, and raise public environmental awareness.