Belgrade Forest Management Transferred from IMM to Ministry, Official Statement Released – Latest News from Turkey
Belgrad Forest Operations Handed Over from IMM to Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry made an announcement today, stating that the Bentler, Neşetsuyu, Kömürcü Bendi nature parks and Bahçeköy and Kurtkemeri entrance gates within the Belgrade Forest will now be operated by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation National Parks (DKMP). This decision comes after the operation period of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) teams in the region came to an end.
Following the announcement, IMM teams loaded their belongings into trucks and vacated the area. The police and security teams remain on site to ensure a smooth transition.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry clarified that the management of these nature parks and entrance gates were under IMM’s responsibility since June 14, 2013, but their operation period expired on October 13, 2023. After a lawsuit filed by IMM was concluded in favor of the Ministry on December 12, 2024, an evacuation request was made on December 16, 2024.
All preparations for the takeover of the Belgrade Forest operations by DKMP have been completed, including cleaning and security services. It is important to note that this change does not affect visitor access to the forest, as entry remains open.
In response to the Ministry’s decision, IMM stated that their request for a 49-year lease extension was rejected, despite fulfilling all provisions of the lease agreement. The legal process regarding the operation of the forest is ongoing.
Overall, the handover of Belgrad Forest operations marks a new chapter under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Stay updated on this development by following NTV on social media.
