Canal Istanbul and the Protection of Nature

Canal Istanbul and the Protection of Nature

Within the scope of Canal Istanbul Project, sensitive areas located on the Project route have been examined in detail. These studies have been reviewed in the EIA Report and recommendations have been made for their protection.

• Actions were and will be taken in accordance with the relevant articles of Forest Law numbered 6831 for the protection of forest areas.
• There is no construction on the shores of Lake Küçükçekmece due to the Canal section, and this area will continue to be protected with the status of Natural Protected Area. The master plan of the region with a scale of 1/100,000 has been prepared and announced.
• Canal works have been planned in a way not to affect the water quality of Lake Terkos.
• The permanence of habitats and natural life will be maintained on both sides of the Canal and the land will be continuously monitored throughout the process of land preparation, construction and operation.
• Monitoring activities will be implemented in the form of species-based actions and activities with the “Biological Diversity Action Plan” indicated in the EIA Report.

Environmental impact models have been developed by using both the existing measurements and field measurements in the technical studies carried out under Canal Istanbul Project.

Considering the marine pollution caused by vessels passing through the Bosphorus and also the accidents that occurred in the Bosphorus until today, the primary objective of Canal Istanbul Project is to protect the nature, history and, most importantly, the security of people's lives and property in Istanbul.