Evaluating the impact of mega-projects-induced land-cover changes on habitat quality: a case study of Istanbul

The rapid urban expansion in mega-cities like Istanbul leads to increased habitat degradation, harming biodiversity. Since 2010, the central government of T & uuml;rkiye has proposed and implemented controversial mega-projects in Istanbul as part of neoliberal urbanisation. This study analyzes the impacts of these projects on habitat quality and land-cover changes, especially forest landscape. Results show increased urbanisation, especially in districts hosting projects like Istanbul Airport (IA), Northern Marmara Motorway (NMM), and Kanal Istanbul (KI), significantly reducing habitat quality. The study highlights the need for ecological evaluation in the spatial planning process to mitigate the environmental effects of these developments.