Gerenlik Bay in Kaş Reopens for Tender Despite ‘Strict Protection’ Status – Date Announced
In Turkey’s southern Antalya province, a controversial development project at Gerenlik Bay in Kaş is once again back on the table. Despite its status as a 1st Degree Natural Protected Area and part of a Special Environmental Protection Zone (ÖÇK), the tender for operating a 77,700-square-meter forest area has been rescheduled after the initial process was canceled earlier this year.
The area, located in Yeşilköy Neighborhood’s Yalı region near the ancient city of Patara, is set to be operated under the name “Gelemiş Non-Accommodation Forest Park”. The previous tender, scheduled for April 30, was canceled due to incomplete documentation. Now, a new date has been announced: August 22, 2025.
What’s Planned in the Project?
According to the tender file, the project allows for construction on 1,190 square meters of the protected land. Planned facilities include a restaurant, café, coffeehouse, place of worship, warehouse, local product sales units, toilets, and a parking lot.
Despite the area’s high ecological and cultural sensitivity, the Kaş Forest Management Directorate is pushing forward with the project. The operating rights will be awarded for 20 years, with an estimated annual cost of 2.5 million Turkish lira. The tender will take place at 11:00 AM on August 22 at the Antalya Regional Directorate of Forestry’s guesthouse, in the Finike Hall.
Official Warnings and Environmental Concerns
The Turkish Cabinet declared Gerenlik Bay a Strictly Protected Sensitive Area on February 5, 2018. Several institutions have raised red flags regarding the project. The Antalya Water and Wastewater Administration (ASAT) noted that there is no existing sewer system or drinking water infrastructure in the area and that they would not be able to meet the water needs of any new facilities.
Reports warn that, due to the lack of infrastructure, opening the area to tourism operations could lead to rapid pollution of the seawater. These concerns make it clear that any development in the region could severely damage its fragile ecosystem.
Public Backlash and Growing Opposition
Opposition to the project is gaining momentum. CHP Antalya Member of Parliament Aliye Coşar publicly condemned the tender on social media, stating:
“Gerenlik Bay belongs to the people. It lies within a 1st Degree Natural SİT area and is under strict protection. Any project that leads to construction here must be stopped. We will not allow this place to be plundered.”
Ahmet Murat Akoy, Chairman of the Kaş Environmental and Cultural Association, also announced plans for public protests aimed at halting the tender process.
Why It Matters
Gerenlik Bay is not just a scenic spot—it’s a protected natural and cultural treasure. The region’s unique ecosystem and archaeological significance make it one of Turkey’s most sensitive coastal areas. As the tender date approaches, environmentalists, local communities, and activists are ramping up efforts to safeguard it from potentially irreversible damage.
The coming weeks are likely to see more protests, legal action, and public debate, as concerns over environmental degradation, public access, and the commercialization of protected spaces take center stage once again.
