چالش‌ها و پیامدهای اثرات زیست‌محیطی پروژه گاپ ترکیه در منطقه و بررسی آن در حقوق بین‌الملل

فتانه دهقانی; محسن دیانت; فخرالدین سلطانی

Authors

Fataneh Dehghani Phd Student, Depaertment of International Law, Qe.c., Islamis Azad university, Qeshm, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9832-7350
Mohsen Dianat Department of law and Political science, PNU, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0660-7503
Fakhreddin Soltani Department of International Relations, Ka.c., Islamic Azad University , Karaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0849-4370

Keywords:

environmental culture, microbiology, international law, GAP project

Abstract

The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) of Turkey represents one of the world’s largest water development and dam-building schemes, with far-reaching environmental, social, and security implications for West Asia. While the project has been officially promoted as a means of economic development, agricultural expansion, and energy production, its transboundary impacts have generated serious challenges for downstream countries, particularly Iraq and Syria, and indirectly for Iran. Reduced water flows, wetland degradation, intensified desertification, and the expansion of dust storm sources have undermined food security, public health, and social stability across the region. This article adopts a descriptive–analytical approach to evaluate the GAP project in light of the core principles of international environmental law, including the obligation not to cause significant transboundary environmental harm, the duty of cooperation, and equitable and reasonable utilization of shared watercourses. The findings indicate that the unilateral implementation of GAP is inconsistent with these legal principles and raises the issue of Turkey’s international responsibility for environmental damage. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for regional cooperation, integrated water resources management, and the application of international legal norms to ensure sustainable development and long-term environmental security in the Tigris–Euphrates basin.

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