New regulation on invasive alien species enters into force

Türkiye has taken an important policy step to strengthen efforts to address the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystems. The Regulation on the Prevention and Management of the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Alien Species entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette on 21 February 2026.

The regulation sets out the principles and procedures for preventing the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, while aiming to strengthen inter-institutional coordination, science-based decision-making processes and the implementation framework. In this respect, it represents a key component of Türkiye’s national approach to the protection of marine, terrestrial and inland water ecosystems.

This policy process was also informed by the work carried out under the MarIAS – Marine Invasive Alien Species Project, implemented with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) by UNDP Türkiye in cooperation with the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. The MarIAS Project was implemented to reduce the pressure of invasive alien species on biodiversity in Türkiye’s marine ecosystems and to strengthen national capacity in this area.

Launched in 2018 and completed in April 2025, the project focused on the identification, monitoring and management of marine invasive alien species across the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean.

Over its approximately six-and-a-half-year implementation period, the project carried out scientific and technical analyses, supported capacity-building efforts for relevant institutions, and contributed to the development of national policy and strategic frameworks on marine invasive alien species. 

MarIAS also supported data and information systems, implemented training and awareness-raising activities for different stakeholder groups, and promoted the strengthening of science-based decision-making processes. By bridging technical knowledge production and policy development, the project contributed to advancing long-term and sustainable approaches to addressing marine invasive alien species in Türkiye.

UNDP Türkiye continues to work with relevant partners to support biodiversity conservation, enhance ecosystem resilience and promote science-based decision-making.

For more information on the MarIAS Project:
https://www.undp.org/tr/turkiye/news/undp-turkiyenin-denizlerindeki-istilaci-yabanci-turlerle-mucadele-projesini-tamamladi

To access the regulation:
https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/02/20260221-2.htm