Status: Ongoing

Project Duration: Sept 2025- March 2026

 

Challenge

The Milleyha Wetland and Samandağ coastline face accelerating degradation due to illegal dumping, unregulated tourism, poaching, and post-earthquake reconstruction pressures. Local businesses often lack awareness of sustainable practices, while community involvement in monitoring and stewardship remains weak.

Solution

This project will pilot a “Milleyha-Friendly Certification” scheme for at least 50 local businesses, encouraging eco-conscious practices while building community ownership. Supported by awareness campaigns, educational materials, and a volunteer bird monitoring network, the initiative aims to protect habitats while fostering sustainable livelihoods.

 Project Deliverables

• Certification of at least 50 local enterprises as “Milleyha-Friendly.”

• Production and distribution of 1 short documentary and 10 reels videos reaching 50,000+ viewers.

• Establishment of a volunteer bird observation network producing regular monitoring reports.

• Collection of at least 100 community feedback surveys to guide adaptive management.

 

About the organisation: Unvansız Gönüllüler Association works to fight hunger and poverty, ensuring that children in disadvantaged regions and schools have access to quality education, culture, arts, and science opportunities.