Protecting Biodiversity and Rebuilding the Earthquake-Affected Coast

We are delighted to announce the six new projects of the second round of our grant program for environmental support in the earthquake-affected regions of Türkiye. This program is a collaborative effort between the Turquoise Coast Environment Fund of Conservation Collective (TCEF), Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), Turkiye Mozaik Foundation (TMF), and the Support Foundation for Civil Society (STDV). Together, we aim to restore and protect ecosystems, strengthen community resilience, and promote sustainable solutions in Hatay, Adana, and Mersin.

Through this round, we proudly support six projects with a total grant of  3.091.590 TRY (£77,000 / $97,000) to protect wetlands, rivers, and coastlines, conserve rare species, tackle invasive plants, strengthen legal advocacy, and promote community-based conservation. 

Please find below more information about the supported projects:

Antakya Environmental Protection Association Asi 30×30: Environmental Vision Plan Awareness Campaign – 524,790 TRY 

Building on its earlier work, the association will strengthen awareness and advocacy for protecting the Asi River Delta, Milleyha Wetland, and Samandağ Coast. The project integrates scientific monitoring (including eDNA biodiversity assessments), social media campaigns, and policy advocacy to align with the global “30×30” goal.

Hatay Nature Conservation Association Hatay’s Unique Wildlife: Conservation of Mountain Gazelles and Striped Hyenas – 546,000 TRY  

Focusing on two rare species that coexist only in Hatay, the project combines field monitoring, camera traps, and GIS-based conflict mapping with community engagement and school education to reduce human–wildlife conflicts and promote coexistence.

Law, Nature and Society Foundation Ecosystem-Based Law for Climate and Disaster Risk Resilience – 550,000 TRY 

This project builds civil society’s legal literacy and advocacy capacity in Hatay, Adana, and Mersin. Through online learning modules, regional workshops, and participatory mapping, the initiative will co-create a “Roadmap for Environmental & Livelihood Justice” and strengthen local policy influence.

Tarsus Slow Food Earth Market Association Discover Before It Disappears: Phase II of the Fish Owl Conservation  – 370,800 TRY 

The second phase of fish owl conservation in the Göksu Delta expands habitat mapping, school education, and cultural programming — including a “Fish Owl Festival.” It will also advocate for the development of the first national Fish Owl Species Action Plan in Türkiye.

TURSIYEV (Türkiye Sustainable Humanitarian Aid and Education Foundation) Asi River & Gölbaşı Lake Rehabilitation via Water Hyacinth Upcycling – 550,000 TRY

By removing invasive water hyacinths from Hatay’s Asi Basin and Gölbaşı Lake, this project empowers women’s cooperatives to transform the plants into artisanal products. Activities include water quality monitoring, permaculture training, and awareness-raising initiatives that link ecological restoration with women-led livelihoods.

Ünvansız Gönüllüler Association  Milleyha Wetland and Samandağ Coast Conservation – 550,000 TRY

In partnership with Samandağ Municipality, this initiative introduces an eco-certification scheme for local businesses, community monitoring networks, and citizen science activities aimed at protecting wetlands and coastal biodiversity. Outreach will include a short documentary and a social media campaign.