Grants News: Our Latest Projects

We are excited to share our new projects aimed at protecting nature, biodiversity, and the marine and coastal regions in the southern and western coastal areas of Türkiye. A total of 1,786,000 TL in grants will be awarded to the 4 projects. 

In partnership with our local re-granting partner, the Civil Society Support Foundation, we came together on 19th July to introduce our projects and align our visions for creating positive change in our coastal communities. We want to extend heartfelt thanks to all the NGOs who participated in the meeting and express our wishes for a productive journey ahead.

Here is the detailed information about the supported grantees and their work below:

Fire and Climate Resilient Islands: Bozcaada and Gökçeada Project – 441,000 TRY

The Eastern Mediterranean Research Association conducts its activities to protect biodiversity, develop solutions to ecological problems, and promote a lifestyle shaped by ecological principles. With our grant, the team will classify and map the plant and vegetation structures on Bozcaada and Gökçeada. It will also determine these structures’ capacity against climate crises and fires, developing nature-based solutions for the protection and restoration of the islands’ ecosystems. 

Strengthening Legislative Capacity of Key Stakeholders on Marine and Coastal Protection Project – 450,000 TRY

HUDOTO works to protect nature, the environment, and human rights; and to implement and develop an ecologically sustainable economy and development. With our support, HUDOTO will organize online and face-to-face training sessions in Balıkesir, İzmir, and Muğla to strengthen the capacities of key stakeholders such as NGOs, lawyers, advocates, and coast guard officers regarding the legal framework for the protection of marine and coastal areas. 

A Generation Protecting Nature in Muğla Project – 445,000 TRY

The Aquatic Life Association conducts research on aquatic ecosystems, provides education on aquatic life/fisheries, raises public awareness, and works on protecting aquatic environments and coastal zones. The association will provide nature conservation and wildlife monitoring training to 750 young people living in five different areas in Muğla through a Wildlife Monitoring and Nature Conservation Education Module. A promotional video compiled from the training and events will be prepared to increase the project’s visibility and ensure its sustainability 

Bridging Seas and Communities: Saros Bay Protection and Restoration Planning Project – 450,000 TRY

Yolda Initiative works to protect biodiversity and contribute to the fight against climate change. The project team will develop a Protection and Restoration Action Plan for the marine areas in and around the Saros Bay Special Environmental Protection Area. Furthermore, they will organize a workshop with small-scale fishing cooperatives, NGOs, universities, decision-makers, UN representatives, donors, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders. During the workshop, the scope and vision of the Action Plan will be determined, and short, medium, and long-term goals and indicators will be established. Additionally, an integrated approach will be adopted by focusing on how to link ecological, cultural, and socio-economic goals and objectives. 

A huge thanks everyone for enabling TCEF to support those project 🙏

Image credits: Aquatic Life Association, HUDOTO, The Eastern Mediterranean Research Association, YOLDA Initiative