Status: Completed

Project Duration: May 2024- May 2025 

Challenge 

Gölbaşı Lake, the last remaining wetland of Lake Amik drained in 1975, faces severe degradation and pressure from intensive human activities. Despite its critical importance as part of the African-Rift Valley and a migratory bird route, the lake’s biodiversity, including migratory eels, is threatened. The livelihoods of local communities dependent on agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture are at risk due to unsustainable resource extraction, exacerbated by the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake. 

Solution

To address the degradation of Gölbaşı Lake’s ecosystem, the project aims to organize educational programs and on-the-ground actions. By raising awareness and building capacity among target groups, NGOs, and young volunteers, the project seeks to mitigate human-induced activities and promote sustainable conservation efforts. 

Key activities included:

• Biodiversity and eco-tourism trainings for local residents and NGOs

• Workshops for young people in surrounding villages

• Production and dissemination of educational media, including a short documentary and posters

• Organization of the first wetland festival in the region

• Support for ecological restoration efforts led by local authorities

Project Highlights & Impact

• 1,000 people reached through awareness campaigns

• 260 students participated in biodiversity workshops in nearby villages

• 50 local civil society members trained in project development and eco-tourism

• Drone video campaign expanded public reach online

• Invasive water hyacinth removed from Gölbaşı Lake by Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, restoring access and habitat for wildlife

• First-ever Wetland Festival organized, celebrating the lake’s ecological value and potential for sustainable tourism

About the organisation: Hatay Nature Conservation Association carries out its activities to ensure that Hatay’s natural resources and biological diversity are protected and used in a sustainable future within the integrity of the ecosystem.