We are delighted to announce the first projects of the grant program for environmental support to restore nature in the earthquake-affected regions of Türkiye, made possible by a collaborative effort between Support Foundation for Civil Society, Turquoise Coast Environment Fund (TCEF) of Conservation Collective, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), and Turkey Mozaik Foundation (TMF).
We are jointly providing a total of TL 2,067,830 (£51,058) to support seven projects of civil society organisations (CSOs) addressing urgent environmental challenges in Hatay, Adana, and Mersin. Turkey Mozaik Foundation contributed £20,000 to the fund. The projects aim to rejuvenate coastal and marine landscapes and promote sustainable food systems, thereby mitigating the environmental impact of the devastating earthquakes of February 2023.
More information about the grantees and their projects below:
Antakya Environmental Protection Association (Antakya Çevre Koruma Derneği) (Asi River and Delta Environmental Vision Planning Project, TL 290,830 – £7,181), Hatay
Antakya Environmental Protection Association aims to raise awareness of environmental issues in the region, create environmentally sensitive communities and protect natural heritage. With this grant, the association will establish cooperation with local authorities, and develop an environmental vision plan that will be shared with local authorities to help rebuild Antakya in a disaster-resilient manner. The association will also produce a short documentary film to document the ecology of the Asi River and raise awareness of coastal protection in the region.
Nature and Science Association (Doğa ve Bilim Derneği) (Restoration, Conservation and Monitoring of Shark and Ray Species Habitats in Hatay Samandağ Hırlavuk Coasts Project, TL 350,000 – £8,642), Hatay
Nature and Science Association researches marine and terrestrial biodiversity and climate change, and raises awareness of natural sciences and the importance of environmental protection. With this grant, the association will carry out habitat restoration on the Samandağ Hırlavuk coast, which is one of the breeding areas for shark and ray species on the Red List of the World Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Studies will be carried out to monitor and determine the composition of the species in the region. The association will also raise awareness among fishermen and local people to protect ray species and their habitat in Samandağ to ensure the sustainability of this rare micro-ecosystem.
Hatay Nature Conservation Association (Hatay Tabiatı Koruma Derneği ) (Inclusive Approach for Lake Gölbaşı (Hatay) Sustainability Project, TL 220,000 – £5,432), Hatay
Hatay Nature Conservation Association aims to ensure that Hatay’s natural resources and biodiversity are protected and used sustainably within the integrity of the ecosystem. With this grant, the association will carry out awareness-raising activities for local communities and CSOs to support the sustainability of Lake Gölbaşı. Ecotourism and biodiversity training will be organised for 500 people of different age groups. Management training will also be organised to improve the capacity of local CSOs.
Karataş Fisheries Cooperative (Karataş Su Ürünleri Kooperatifi) (Karataş Artificial Reefs Monitoring and Ecological Assessment Project, TL 350,000 – £8,642), Adana
Karataş Fisheries Cooperative aims to make fishing more sustainable and the future of the Karataş coastline more climate-resilient, as well as supporting other fisheries in the region. With this grant, the cooperative will conduct studies to evaluate the ecological functions of artificial reefs in the region and monitor biodiversity. In addition, research will be designed according to scientific protocols to standardise future monitoring and evaluation.
Green Transformation in Industry, Adaptation to Climate Change and Bioeconomy Research Association (YİBA) (Sanayide Yeşil Dönüşüm, İklim Değişikliğine Uyum ve Biyoekonomi Araştırmaları Derneği) (Monitoring and Protecting the Sea Daffodils Project, TL 170,000 – £4,198), Adana
YİBA works on a wide range of topics, including climate change adaptation, agriculture, green industry, health, and the food sectors. With this grant, the association will raise awareness about sea daffodils, a protected species found along the coasts of Karataş and Yumurtalık districts in Adana. YİBA will develop policy recommendations to protect sea daffodils and create an online platform to improve cooperation between stakeholders.
Samandağ District Centre and Neighbourhoods Agricultural Development Cooperative (Samandağ İlçe Merkezi ve Mahalleleri Tarımsal Kalkınma Kooperatifi) (Strengthening Water Management and Biodiversity Conservation, TL 350,000 – £8,642), Hatay
The cooperative is working to create resilient food network models and empower regional producers. With this grant, the cooperative will support water management and biodiversity, work to increase the sustainability of the community-supported agriculture centre, and contribute to the protection of local ecosystems. In addition, the cooperative will increase storage for rainwater harvesting and increase tree cover to minimise soil erosion. Finally, the grantee will organise a two-day training programme for 50 farmers on water management.
Tarsus Slow Food Earth Market Association (Tarsus Slow Food Yeryüzü Pazarı Derneği) (Discover the Fish Owl Before it Disappears Project, TL 337,000 – £8,321), Adana
Tarsus Slow Food Earth Market Association works to raise awareness of sustainable food consumption to reduce food waste and protect the environment. With this grant, the association will research and raise awareness about the habitats of fish owls. The association will prepare a fish owl research report and booklet to raise awareness of the conservation of this important species. Finally, a short film will be produced to explain the project’s purpose and results, including field studies, awareness raising and visits.
