Grant News: Our Latest Projects From Coral Reefs to Honey Forests

We’re excited to introduce four new projects joining the Turquoise Coast Environment Fund (TCEF) family in 2025. These initiatives reflect our continued commitment to protecting Türkiye’s coastal and marine ecosystems — while supporting local communities, traditional knowledge, and bold new solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises.

With a total of 2,765,650 TL in grants awarded to these projects, we are investing in a brighter, more sustainable future.From transforming post-fire landscapes into thriving, bee-friendly forests to safeguarding ancient coral reefs, these projects reflect the creativity, collaboration, and science-driven actions that TCEF passionately supports.

🐟 Reviving Local Fish, Supporting Local Livelihoods in Foça, İzmir – 700,000 TRY

Our grantee, Suyader, promotes the forgotten fish of Foça — like mullet, salema, and bogue — once beloved in local cuisine but now overlooked by fishers and consumers alike. By encouraging sustainable harvests, training chefs, and hosting a local fish festival, the project aims to boost small-scale fisher incomes and improve food security through the “Suspended Fish” initiative. Educational materials, awareness campaigns, and 10+ short films will bring local seafood back to the spotlight.

🌳Honey Forests After Fire – 685,000 TRY

After devastating wildfires, Muğla’s forest landscapes are being reimagined as “honey forests.” The Society For The Conservation of Nature and Culture identifies post-fire restoration zones where aromatic native plants can support beekeeping and biodiversity. Combining traditional ecological knowledge, bear conflict mitigation strategies, and pilot habitat restoration, the initiative also creates new green livelihoods while informing forest policy and community-based conservation.

🌊 Coral Reef Conservation ın Bozcaada – 680,650 TRY

Bozcaada is home to rare Cladocora caespitosa coral reefs, now under threat from illegal fishing, anchoring, and tourism. Social Climate Association combines scientific dives, coral monitoring, andprotective buoy installation with awareness campaigns, children’s clay sculpture workshops, and a digital sound-and-light installation. The result: stronger local conservation action and deeper public connection to these fragile marine ecosystems.

🚢 In the Wake of Pîrî Reis: Marine Literacy Voyage – 700,000 TRY

Aboard the TÜDAV MARU, researchers will retrace the historic routes of Ottoman cartographer Pîrî Reis, combining marine biodiversity surveys and microplastic monitoring with educational port visits. Stops in Bozcaada, Foça, Gökçeada, and more will engage local communities through talks and events. The voyage concludes in Çeşme with a “Blue Gathering” — a multi-stakeholder forum on the future of Türkiye’s marine ecosystems.

In partnership with our local re-granting partner, the Civil Society Support Foundation, we came together on 17 March 2025 to introduce these exciting new projects and align our shared vision for creating lasting, positive change in Türkiye’s coastal communities. We’re deeply grateful to all the NGOs who joined us for this kickoff meeting and look forward to supporting their impactful work in the months ahead.