Project Archive

“Increasing Plastic Pollution Awareness among Beach Users at Public Beaches” Project
Supported by: Turquoise Coast Environment Fund – Türkiye (TCEF), implemented in cooperation with The Conservation Collective, MAVA Foundation, The GEF Small Grants Program (SGP) and Support Foundation for Civil Society
Project Coordinators: EKAD, TURÇEV and Antalya Metropolitan Municipality

The project, conducted with the slogan “Plastic-Free Coasts, Plastic-Free Waters,” aimed to highlight plastic pollution on Antalya’s world-renowned beaches and in its sea. Emphasising the primary responsibility of beach users, the initiative sought to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution and promote ways to reduce plastic consumption. Over two days, 30 young volunteers underwent training on basic environmental awareness and plastic waste. Field activities and surveys, conducted with these volunteers at Konyaaltı and Serik Public Beaches, included observational beach cleanliness measurements and numerical data collection utilising the European Environment Agency’s Marine LitterWatch Program. The project also involved creating brochures and posters covering various aspects of plastics, as well as introducing beach visitors to alternative products to single-use plastics at information desks.



“Ocean Ambassadors Youth” Project
Supported by: ERASMUS+ KA152-YOU
Project Coordinators: MERA (Mediterranean Education and Research Association – Austria) and EKAD

Within the project, 24 young participants aged 18-30 from Türkiye and Austria were hosted at EKAD’s campsite in Manavgat. The participants underwent diverse training sessions and were actively engaged in EKAD’s scientific conservation project focused on sea turtles. The program also provided opportunities for social and cultural exchanges through various activities. Day and night surveys were conducted during the sea turtle nesting season, and info-desks were established with national and international volunteers to raise awareness about critically endangered sea turtles among beach users. Various activities, such as language sessions, exercise hours, games, presentations, and idea exchange hours were organised to enhance communication and foster team dynamics among participants. Aligned with ERASMUS+ principles and priorities, a Youthpass application was submitted for all participants upon the project’s completion.



“A Perspective on Habitats: The Importance of Estuarine Habitats for Elasmobranchs”
Supported by: Rufford Foundation
Project Coordinator: Elizabeth Grace Tunka Bengil (EKAD)

The project surveyed four large lagoons spanning from the North Aegean to the Eastern Mediterranean to determine the significance of Turkish lagoons for cartilaginous fish. The project’s main objectives included strengthening communication networks with local fishermen utilising the lagoons, gathering ecological information about species and raising awareness based on collected data, identifying fishing gears and seasons with the highest catch rates, and observing the usage of these fishing gear, and monitoring abiotic factors around the lagoons using satellite images and meteorological data to identify potential habitats. The ultimate goal is to expand existing bans to include sharks and rays based on the acquired data, contributing to conservation efforts and management plans concerned with these species. The project’s outcomes will also provide crucial inputs for IUCN’s Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) initiative by defining the role of lagoonal areas in supporting these species.



”Nile Softshell Turtles (Trionyx triunguis) Nesting in Türkiye: Antalya Population and Conservation Parameters” Project
Supported by: Rufford Foundation
Project Coordinator: Fatih Polat (EKAD)

The project aimed to determine the nesting parameters of Nile turtles (Trionyx triunguis) inhabiting Ilıca and Kömürcüler creeks in the Manavgat district of Antalya province during the 2023 breeding season. The study also consisted of informing various institutions, organisations, local facilities, fishermen, and tourists, as well as educational and informational activities conducted in five schools. Nesting sites of Trionyx triunguis were identified and safeguarded with bands, with the instalment of informative signs to raise awareness. The study’s findings presented the species’ morphology, bioecology, reproduction, habitat data, challenges facing the species (both abiotic and biotic factors), nest parameters, and population status. The results also included suggestions for future research.