Critical Court Decision for Gökova: Marina Capacity Increase Canceled for the Second Time

In the İskele/Söğüt area of Karaca Neighborhood in the Marmaris District, the "Marina, Yacht and Boat Dock Capacity Increase Project" planned by MUÇEV Tourism Trade Inc. within the borders of the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area, which foresees an additional 187 berths, received a Positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Decision from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, which was challenged by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality.

Although the EIA Positive Decision was canceled by the Muğla 1st Administrative Court with decision number 2023/2479, the EIA process for the project was restarted, and a second EIA Positive Decision was given on June 11, 2025.

Muğla Metropolitan Municipality quickly initiated a second lawsuit against this decision to protect the natural structure of the region and restarted the legal process.

Expert Report Supported the Metropolitan Municipality

In the case file numbered 2025/687 of the Muğla 4th Administrative Court, the expert report prepared determined that the capacity increase project does not comply with environmental legislation, scientific principles, and public interest.

Based on the expert report, the court noted that the existing pollution factors in the planning area are not controlled, the environmental burden will increase further with the capacity increase, the project will have negative impacts on the marine ecosystem and aquatic products, and it does not fulfill environmental obligations. For these reasons, the Muğla 4th Administrative Court ruled to cancel the EIA Positive Decision with decision number 2026/852.

Ahmet Aras: “We Will Continue to Protect Muğla’s Natural Heritage”

Ahmet Aras, President of the Coastal Municipalities Union and Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, stated that Gökova is one of the most valuable natural heritages that must be protected not only for Muğla but for Turkey and the world.
President Aras said, “The Gulf of Gökova, with its biological diversity, marine ecosystem, and natural riches, is our common heritage that we are obliged to leave to future generations intact. As Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, we carefully evaluate every project that threatens the environment, our coasts, and natural life based on scientific data and legal frameworks, prioritizing public interest.”

Aras added, “The cancellation decisions issued by the courts in both the first and second processes confirm the justified environmental struggle and scientific grounds put forth by our Metropolitan Municipality. We will not remain silent against any application that would increase the pollution load, negatively affect the marine ecosystem, and aquatic products in the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area. Protecting our nature is not only a responsibility for today but also for tomorrow. Muğla’s coasts, bays, and natural values are the shared heritage of the public and future generations, not of profiteering. As the Metropolitan Municipality, we will decisively continue to protect our nature and defend Muğla’s unique environment under the light of law and science.”