The Environmental Consequences Of The Turkey Gap Project And Its Examination In International Law

Abstract

The Republic of Turkey considers the implementation of the Gap project on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as its exclusive right and has also taken control of the water supply to its downstream countries. This has caused dissatisfaction among these countries. It has created problems from various aspects, including security. Therefore, considering the effects of this project and its impact on its downstream countries, this article raises the question: What are the environmental effects of this project on the environment in the region? The main goal of the Gap project is to increase its income in the region and the world. The current activities of the Gap include many sectors, including agriculture, electricity generation, infrastructure development, and forests. But the environmental consequences of the Gap project are worthy of reflection and discussion. The principles governing the exploitation of shared water resources, which are based on general legal principles, customary international law and international treaties, non-adherence to these principles and their violation demonstrate the international responsibility of states because Turkey cannot be indifferent to the exploitation of a project whose harmful effects cause extensive environmental damage to neighboring lands. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine the threats and obligations of the Turkish government in the implementation of the Gap project.