It was established in 1988 by a decree of the Turkish Cabinet and initially placed under direct supervision of the prime minister.
In English it may be referred to as EPASA, short for Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas.
After publication in the Resmi Gazete the Turkish government obtained the authority to give environmentally threatened areas of high ecological value threatened the status of SEPA (Special Environmental Protection Area), so as to enable them to take special measures to safeguard their natural beauty for future generations.
[1] In 2011 a new reorganisation has taken place resulting in three different branches, one for building and town planning, another specialised at water management and a third controlling forestry.
The ÖÇKK aims to preserve the natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage, to protect the biodiversity and water, to preserve these values for future generations, promote sustainable regional development and promote environmental awareness among the local population.