The expected statement regarding the claim that "Belgrad Forest is being opened for development."

The Communications Presidency's Disinformation Combat Center (DMM) stated that the claim "Belgrad Forest is being opened for development" does not reflect the truth.

STATEMENT FROM DMM

In the statement from the Communications Presidency's Disinformation Combat Center, it was noted that the national park status being worked on for Belgrad Forest is the first and most important conservation status recognized internationally. The statement emphasized that the forest will not be opened for development and added:

"Therefore, national park status is not a status that allows for development as claimed, but a higher area protection status than a conservation forest according to international criteria. Additionally, construction is not permitted in Belgrad Forest, which is a protected area. Do not give credence to baseless claims aimed at manipulating the public."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Sezai Kaya, the President of the Marmara Branch of the Turkish Foresters Association, stated that 1,150 hectares of the 5,237-hectare Belgrad Forest, known as Istanbul's "lungs," which contains water resources and is protected at the highest level with "conservation forest" status, would be downgraded to "national park" status and opened for development.