Status: Completed

Project Duration: November 2022-October 2023 

Challenge

Due to the increasing anthropogenic pressures in Gökçeada Salt Lake Wetland of National Importance of Gökçeada -the largest island of Turkey and located in the Aegean Sea – the high biodiversity and water quality are under threat. More than 71% of the world’s wetlands have been plundered in the last century before their importance was known. Although there is an action plan effected in 2021, the construction of new hotels, initiatives to drill water wells, and quarry permits, demonstrate the importance of public awareness for protecting the area and benefiting from ecosystem services in a sustainable manner.  

Solution 

With this project, local people, including tourists, will take part in the scientific monitoring of the area, thus understanding the importance of biodiversity by using on-site observations and media.  

Project’s deliverables

• Informing local people and tourists about the wetland area  through awareness-raising signs and posters.
• Including local stakeholders in the monitoring of the Wetland Management Plan to ensure their collaboration and understanding.
• Involving tourism establishments, locals, young people, children, and farmers in the project activities and conservation efforts.

Impacts 

• Increased understanding and perception on the importance of the Salt Lake Wetland of Gokceada 
• Well informed public about the biodiversity and nature values of the island  
• Implemented actions with the conservation measures and actively engaged key stakeholders 

About the organisation: Water Ecosystems Conservation Association carries out its activities in Çanakkale in order to protect all kinds of living in the seas, inland waters, coastal and transitional areas, and the aquatic nature covering these areas.