Turkish Society for the Conservation of Nature

Turkish Society for the Conservation of Nature
Name	Turkish Society for the Conservation of Nature
Native name	Doğal Hayatı Koruma Vakfı
Formation	1951
Type	Non-governmental organization
Headquarters	Ankara
Region served	Turkey
Language	Turkish
Leader title	President

Turkish Society for the Conservation of Nature is a Turkish non-governmental organization founded in 1951 dedicated to conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes. The society has worked across Anatolia, Thrace, and the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, engaging with national parks, biodiversity inventories, and environmental policy processes. It has collaborated with international bodies, universities, and local municipalities to promote species protection and habitat restoration.

History

The society emerged in the early Turkish Republic era alongside initiatives such as the establishment of Ankara University, the creation of Çanakkale research networks, and postwar conservation movements influenced by organizations like IUCN and the World Wildlife Fund. Founders included scientists who had ties to Istanbul University, Ege University, and the Turkish Academy of Sciences. Early campaigns addressed threats to regions such as Kaçkar Mountains National Park, Cappadocia, and the Kızılırmak Delta, while liaising with ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and institutions like the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. During the 1980s and 1990s the society expanded projects in partnership with United Nations Environment Programme, UNESCO, and European programs like LIFE Programme and the Council of Europe environmental networks. Throughout its history it has responded to events such as the Marmara earthquake aftermath, coastal development debates in Bodrum, and infrastructure proposals affecting the Fırtına Valley.

Mission and Objectives

The society’s mission aligns with international conventions including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the Bern Convention. Objectives include protecting species such as the Anatolian leopard, Mediterranean monk seal, and Caretta caretta; conserving habitats like the Göksu Delta, Lake Van wetlands, and Aegean maquis; promoting environmental law compliance with instruments like the Turkish Penal Code provisions on natural heritage; and fostering public awareness through cooperation with museums such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and academic departments at Middle East Technical University and Boğaziçi University.

Programs and Activities

The society runs species monitoring programs in partnership with research bodies including Hacettepe University, Çukurova University, and the Turkish Marine Research Foundation. It conducts habitat restoration in regions like the Aksu Delta, organizes citizen science initiatives with local NGOs such as Greenpeace Mediterranean affiliates, and implements environmental education with schools linked to the Ministry of National Education and cultural institutions like the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. Conservation activities have included anti-poaching patrols near Munzur Valley National Park, reforestation projects around Mount Ida, and marine protection measures in the Gulf of Antalya involving vessels from the Turkish Navy for surveillance cooperation. The society publishes reports and participates in conferences hosted by bodies such as BirdLife International, the European Environment Agency, and the Ohio Biological Survey style forums, while contributing to red lists alongside IUCN Red List assessments and national inventories curated by Turkish Statistical Institute collaborations.

Organizational Structure and Membership

Governance follows a board and general assembly model with leadership elected by members drawn from universities like Selçuk University, research institutes such as the Turkish State Meteorological Service, and civil society groups active in cities including Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, and Bursa. Membership categories include individual members, institutional partners, and student chapters linked to faculties at Ankara University Faculty of Science and vocational departments at Ege University Faculty of Fisheries. The society has regional offices coordinating activities in zones such as the Black Sea Region, the Marmara Region, and the Southeastern Anatolia Region, interacting with local administrations like the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and provincial directorates such as those in Muğla and Samsun.

Partnerships and Funding

Funding sources comprise grants from international donors including the European Union programs, foundations like the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation style philanthropic entities, and project support from agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme and bilateral partnerships with embassies. Corporate partnerships have involved companies in sectors represented by the Turkish Industry and Business Association and private foundations such as the Sabancı Foundation, alongside collaborations with museums like the Rahmi M. Koç Museum and botanical institutions including the Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry. The society partners with international conservation organizations including WWF, Conservation International, Fauna & Flora International, and regional networks such as Mediterranean Protected Areas Network.

Impact and Notable Achievements

Notable achievements include contributing to designation of protected areas such as expansions near Mount Nemrut National Park and wetland protections at Manyas Bird Paradise National Park; species recovery initiatives that informed protections for the Anatolian ground squirrel and vulture conservation projects linked to efforts by the Vulture Conservation Foundation; and successful advocacy that influenced environmental impact assessment procedures overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization prior to major projects like the Ilisu Dam deliberations. The society’s monitoring and advocacy have been cited in scientific journals from institutions like Boğaziçi University and Istanbul Technical University, and its educational programs have partnered with cultural festivals in Antakya and Fethiye to raise public engagement. Awards and recognitions include acknowledgments from networks such as BirdLife International and commendations from municipal councils in Çanakkale and Trabzon for local conservation outcomes.

Category:Environmental organizations based in Turkey Category:Conservation organizations Category:Organizations established in 1951