Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality: Cancellation of Land Reserve and Environmental Plan for Canal Istanbul Project

The announcement regarding the reserve construction area and the decision to change the environmental planning scheme at a scale of 1/100,000 related to the Canal Istanbul Project has been annulled by the Istanbul Administrative Court No. 5 as unlawful.

In a statement from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), it was noted: "The court stated that the decision for the reserve construction area was made without necessary scientific and technical analyses, and that this decision contributed to new settlement projects threatening Istanbul's natural areas, diverging from the purpose of urban transformation. It was expressed that the regions designated as reserve construction areas included vital natural areas of Istanbul, such as forests, agricultural lands, and watersheds that should be protected. The decision highlighted that these announcements were made without thorough examination and report preparation.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION PLAN INVALIDATED The change to the environmental planning scheme at a scale of 1/100,000, based on the reserve area decision, was also annulled. The court emphasized that this plan was contrary to urban planning principles and the public interest. It was noted that institutional opinions were lacking during the planning process, detailed infrastructure reports were not prepared, and the existing environmental planning scheme was fundamentally altered.

ALL PLANS RENDERED BASELESS With the annulment of the reserve area decision, the court indicated that all other plans concerning the Canal Istanbul Project have become devoid of legal basis. The decision necessitates a comprehensive review of all planning and implementation processes of the project.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The court ruling demonstrates that the legal and environmental foundations of the Canal Istanbul Project have weakened. The decision reveals that the project is incompatible with the principle of public interest due to its environmental impacts, infrastructure issues, and potential harm to natural resources.

COULD IMPACT OTHER CASE OUTCOMES This ruling regarding the Canal Istanbul Project may also influence the outcomes of other related cases. It is anticipated that a cancellation decision will emerge in another case initiated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, where the expert report is favorable. This decision could have a critical impact on the future of the Canal Istanbul Project and may prompt increased legal and environmental scrutiny."