Microproject under the FFEM- and AFD-funded “Wetlands and CSOs” project
The context
While preparing the Kızılırmak Delta UNESCO World Heritage Nomination Dossier in 2018, participants and in particular the Ornithological Research Centre (ORC) of Öndokus Mayis University recognised that there is a lot of missing information about the general description of the site, biodiversity and water quality and quantity of Kızılırmak delta. The lack and experience in this area made it difficult to focus on the main components of the dossier. Since than a need to fill some research gaps about biodiversity, combine data from institutions regularly monitoring the delta is emerging. The idea to establish the Kızılırmak delta wetland observatory gives the chance to collect, combine, store the data to easily access for all stakeholders and to use all the data for better management and conservation of the site. The concept for such an Observatory was developed by ORC in 2023 as part of a Micro-project under the FFEM- and AFD-funded “Wetlands and CSOs” project (see Annex 1).
The site and Partners
The Kızılırmak delta is an important ecosystem for many species of plants and animals, providing many ecological and economical services. However, this coastal wetland ecosystem faces with severe anthropogenic impacts such as over exploitation, habitat fragmentation, conversion land for agriculture. This project will evaluate the current ecological status of the Kızılırmak delta and will enable to monitor changes. All information will be available to the different communities of users.
ORC has worked with official authorities like 11th District of Nature Conservation and National Parks, District Directorate of Agriculture, Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanisation, State Hydraulic Works Regional Directorate, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, which are the most effective institutions in terms of conservation and management in Kızılırmak delta. Besides, experts and students from universities were also involved as stakeholders. ORC has strengthened the work through close collaboration following several meetings and collaborations with these partners which constitute principal components of the observatory. Through this project, stakeholders have come to a common ground that there is a need to reflect on the needs related to the Kızılırmak Delta and that there is a need for cooperation to meet these needs and requirements.
The project : Main activities and achievements
Objective 1. Establish a network of local actors involved in management and monitoring of Kızılırmak delta and built capacity.
ORC has organised two major meetings on the importance and need of creating a wetlands observatory in 16 September 2022 and 6 January 2023 with representatives of the institutions 11th District of Nature Conservation and National Parks, District Directorate of Agriculture, Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanisation, State Hydraulic Works Regional Directorate, District Gendarmerie Command, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality to promote and create a network. A total of 74 people (16 women, 58 men) participated in these meetings. Several one by one and/or two-three people meetings were held during the project implementation period with all the institutions and scientists, researchers and students to identify the needs and to highlight the importance of contribution from each party. One field visit with some representatives of the local institutions was performed in 19 September 2022 to discuss about the problems in the delta and identify needs (22 people; 8 women, 14 men).
Figure 1. Meeting with the Samsun Provincial Nature Conservation and National Parks director
Objective 2. Collect, compile and synthesise the existing data, establish a database and disseminate the information
We have started with a comprehensive bibliographic research on previous work carried out in the Kızılırmak delta, all published material has been read and all available data has been entered to an access file. A bibliographic list of around 450 publications related directly with Kızılırmak delta has been prepared. Based on article authors we made a list of people/scientists with different research areas and expertise, if consultation and/or cooperation is needed. All accessible articles, reports, data have been compiled. The data in articles and reports with findings with special information on flora, fauna, land use, water pollution, animal husbandry numbers over years have been entered to an access file. Some meteorological, hydrological and water pollution data has been provided from the 10th regional Directorate of Meteorology and the State Hydraulic Works Regional Directorate. Kızılırmak Delta Conservation and Development Union (SAMKUŞ) has provided data on land use in the delta.
The stakeholders have been officially informed that data access is open. Several maps of recent hydrological situation and land use has been prepared to show the changes. A scientific article has been submitted to show the effects of changing habitat on biodiversity (“Ecogeomorphological Investigation of Anthropogenic Change at the Mouth of the river Kızılırmak at the Black Sea Coast in Türkiye”). An article is in preparation showing the relation of some bird distribution and population changes in relation to the land use changes. The 11th District of Nature Conservation and National Parks has requested technical reports about potential effects of some drainage projects on biodiversity, and the seasonal water level changes in the delta. Based on collected data, we have submitted technical reports. The ORC was invited to provide data for the updated Kızılırmak Delta management plan. The database was also used for student oriented social projects (e.g.to analyse the climatic and land use changes and discuss its positive and negative aspects on delta life and people in the area). Many different people and institutions have benefitted so far from the prepared database.
Some basic materials, reports have been prepared and disseminated to the stakeholders to show the current situation about the conservation, the population of several key species (e.g. Aythya nyroca, Oxyura leucocephala, Plegadis falcinellus, Vanellus vanellus) and the needs to improve the status of the species. ORC participated in national radio programmes on TRT1 and TRT Radyo and the Kızılırmak delta wetland observatory was introduced. Social media were used to share the project activities.
We carried out field visits to collect data (flora, fauna, habitats, land use, water quality, socio economy, photographs).
The list of the Indicators that the Observatory has started to monitor, and will endeavour to regularly monitor, currently stands as :
- water pollution (parameters details available)
- water level in lakes (monthly)
- land use change (if possible with GIS, if not only inventories)
- presence and abundance of plant species, representing various habitats (approx. 10 species)
- wintering waterbirds
- colonial breeding bird species
- important bird species for the area (Common Crane, Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous Duck, Black Stork)
- other wildlife (butterflies, dragonflies, herpetofauna, birds) in identified grids
Objective 3. Improve the monitoring efforts, and in particular define methods for regular monitoring of identified indicators
A training was delivered in 7 April 2023 (Some delay due to the earthquake in February in Turkey) about details of monitoring and identifying the indicators to the staff of the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality (8 people/men), which are working in the delta as guides, manager and administrator, and are able to identify and monitor certain species and to collect environmental data. Field recording sheets have been prepared and disseminated. And some citizen science platforms e.g. eBird and Naturalist have been introduced to collect data. More trainings on specific monitoring methods will be delivered to the same team. A training was delivered to the staff of 11th district of Nature Conservation and National Parks about the same theme in 18 April 2023 with participation of 19 people (8 women, 11 men). To increase capacity and train people who could collect data on birds, plants and water quality and quantity several site visits in April and May performed to show some sampling protocols. Totally 158 people (students, scientists) participated.
Achievement, future and prospect of the Observatory
The main issue the project faced initially is that most institutions and individuals were not very familiar with the concept of wetland observatory, so did not understand exactly what would happen, and therefore kept a little distant. So, as part of the micro-project, it was decided to thoroughly discuss with the stakeholders the aim of the Kızılırmak Delta Wetlands Observatory, as well as the necessity (and nature of) of contributions expected from the various institutions. Although some institutions are still now hesitant about the necessity of creating an Observatory, the suggestion to include it in the Kızılırmak Delta management plan as an official activity proved instrumental in having it taken seriously by all stakeholders. The preparation of the specific protocol as a key output of the relevant Management Plan activity will be one of the most important steps. As part of the protocol, the active participation of stakeholders in the process will be ensured by defining their individual duties, and the wetland observatory concept will thus be more institutionalised.
Therefore, by placing the Kızılırmak delta wetland observatory as a part of the updated Kızılırmak delta wetland management plan, it is aimed to make it permanent and sustainable. Of course, work is not over : for instance, the standardisation of methodologies needs to be addressed through more specific trainings to various institutions who already collect data on water quality, land use, etc. It has become clear that all institutions will benefit from this training, be it for their duties to achieve sustainable development goals, the UNESCO candidacy process of the Kızılırmak Delta (as a future Natural Heritage Site), or effective site management. ORC will continue its active role in data collection, centralisation, accessibility, analysis and dissemination, as well as communication between stakeholders, to keep their interest awake.
In addition to its own activities, this project also contributed to other scientific and social projects carried out in the Kızılırmak Delta. This micro-project showed for instance that the organisations working on the delta, and/or responsible for its management, were often independently carrying out similar monitoring, with the other institutions not being aware. Through the development of the Kızılırmak Delta Wetland Observatory, the organisations had the opportunity to meet and discuss their needs, and harmonize their approaches.
ANNEX 1 : FACTSHEET OF ORC’S MICRO-PROJECT
Within the twin framework of the “Civil society organisations and wetlands” AFD project and “Sustainable management of wetlands in the Mediterranean” FFEM project.
I. SUMMARY (1 page)
1. COUNTRY : Turkey
2. PROJECT TITLE (maximum ten words) : Kızılırmak Delta wetland observatory
3. NAME OF THE BENEFICIARY ORGANIZATION [hereinafter referred to as “The Beneficiary” or “Project holder”]: Ornithological Research Center
Name of the project manager: Kiraz Erciyas Yavuz
Mailing address of the beneficiary organization: Ondokuz Mayıs University, Kurupelit Campus, 55139 Atakum Samsun
E-mail address: erciyaskiraz@yahoo.com
Phone.: +905325477023
Website : https://ornitolojiarmer.omu.edu.tr/tr
4. PROJECT SUMMARY (10 lines maximum):
While preparing the Kızılırmak Delta UNESCO World Heritage Nomination Dossier in 2018 we recognised that there is a lot of missing information about the general description of the site, biodiversity and water quality and quantity of Kızılırmak delta. The lack and experience in this area made it difficult to focus on the main components of the dossier. Since than a need to fill some research gaps about biodiversity, combine data from institutions regularly monitoring the delta is emerging. The idea to establish the Kızılırmak delta wetland observatory gives the chance to collect, combine, store the data to easily access for all stakeholders and to use all the data for better management and conservation of the site.
Kızılırmak delta is an important ecosystem for many species of plants and animals, providing several ecological and economical services. However, this coastal wetland ecosystem faces with severe anthropogenic impacts such as over exploitation, habitat fragmentation, conversion land for agriculture. This project will evaluate the current ecological status of Kızılırmak delta and will enable to monitor changes and all information will be available for different communities of users.
5. TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT (in local currency and €) : 11.000 €
6. AMOUNT OF SUBVENTION REQUESTED (in local currency and €) : 11.000
Note: this amount must be within the range of 9,000 – 13,000 Euros]
7. COFINANCING AND AMOUNT (in local currency and €): 0 €
8. EXPECTED START DATE OF THE PROJECT: 15.07.2022
9. DURATION (1 year 1/2 maximum) : 6 month
II. PROJECT PRESENTATION (3 pages maximum)
1. Project title : Kızılırmak Delta wetland observatory
2. Geographical location (Please include a Map in Appendix 1):
Kızılırmak delta is located in Samsun province, at the Black Sea region of Turkey. It is 0-15 m above sea level with fresh and semi-saline lakes, stable and moving sand dunes, reed beds, marshes, flooded grasslands and flooded forests. The delta with diverse habitats along a short cyclic dry season followed long wet season improves ecological resilience and provides diverse settings for high animal and plant biodiversity. The total area of the delta is 45.378 ha. The Kızılırmak delta is designated as the Ramsar site since 1998 and protected by the Law on Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets, Regulation on Protection of Wetlands. In 1979, part of the site, the Cernek Lake and surrounding, was designated as Wildlife Development Area by the Ministry of Forestry and enlarged in 2005 by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs. The delta has also the first degree natural site protection status (designation which is the most strictly protected status with the National Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets). This area is regarded as Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Birdlife International. Additionally, it meets the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) definition of IUCN (Eken et al 2006).
The management plan of the Ramsar site was first put in implementation for the period of 2008-2012 and updated to cover the period of 2016 -2020. The plan is in preparation phase for the new period. The main objective of the existing plan is to protect habitats for ensuring and enriching biological diversity in the delta. The plan also aims to ensure social and economic activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery, nature tourism in harmony with biodiversity protection in the area.
After the new legislation for establishment of the Greater Samsun Municipality, the management of the sitewas under the responsibility of the Samsun Kızılırmak Delta Protection and Development Association (SAMKUŞ) which was founded in June 1, 2015. Currently, the site is managed by the “Kızılırmak delta wetland and bird sanctuary (KDWBS) management authority” in coordination with Kızılırmak Delta Management Plan Steering Committee, where ORC is a member of the committee.
The Kızılırmak delta has two large components in the east and west of the river Kızılırmak which are connected with the coastal sand dunes. The eastern part of the delta has six shallow lakes (Liman, Balık, Uzun, Cernek, Gıcı and Tatlı) and flooded mixed Ash-Alder forest surrounded by the Black Sea on east and north and agricultural lands on the southern boundary. The western part includes Karaboğaz and Mülk Lakes is surrounded by the Black Sea coast on the west and agricultural lands on the south and east.
Parts of Bafra, Ondokuzmayıs and Alaçam districts of Samsun are within the Kızılırmak delta. These three districts have a population of 193.567 people. 13 villages belonging to these three districts have a total of 12.690 people, which live from agriculture, animal husbandry and fishery in the region.
Ornithological Research Center is situated in Atakum, Samsun with about 35 km distance to the Kızılırmak delta. ORC operates a bird ringing centre in the delta, which is active during 5 month of a year.
3. Coverage:
The project area covers 45.378 hectare. Parts of Bafra, Ondokuzmayıs and Alaçam districts of Samsun are within the borders of Kızılırmak delta Ramsar site. These three districts have a population of 193.567 people. 13 villages belonging to these three districts have a total of 12.690 people, which live from agriculture, animal husbandry and fishery in the region.
4. General description:
The strongest biodiversity components are the birds for the delta, because ORC operates there several monitoring studies on breeding, wintering and migratory birds since its establishment in 2003. There are several studies on the flora and fish fauna of the delta, while the rest of the biodiversity components are not well studied or not studied at all.
There will be much involvement with a network structure and parties will contribute and benefit from this corporation. Involved stakeholders working on providing information, monitoring and management of the delta will work in close collaboration with ORC to achieve the objectives.
5. Objectives, Activities and Sustainability of project impacts:
The overall objective is to provide good quality information on the state of the Kızılırmak delta in order to improve the management of the site. For this, a Kızılırmak delta wetland observatory is considered as the best option. To reach the main objective, three specific objectives are defined:
- Objective 1: Establish a network of local actors involved in management and monitoring of Kızılırmak delta and build capacity
- Objective 2: Collect, compile and synthesise the existing data, establish a database and disseminate the information
- Objective 3: Improve the monitoring efforts, and in particular define the methods for regular monitoring of identified indicators
To reach these objectives, the following activities are planned and will be implemented:
- A network of local actors from different institutions and organizations is set up and trained: The actors are representatives from the Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture 11th District (wetlands section and site management section); Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (natural assets); Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, Kızılırmak Delta Conservation and Development Union (SAMKUŞ), 7th district of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), District Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, a regional NGO working on nature conservation. Two meetings will be organised to explain the project and to start the activities. The actors in the network and other stakeholders will be trained to increase their knowledge about the importance and state of national and Mediterranean wetlands, and build their capacity on the wetlands observatory, to ensure sustainability of the observatory.
- Compile existing data and create a database: The existing data is not easy to reach and this limits the relevant use of the data for good management. To avoid poor use of data, all existing information about Kızılırmak delta biodiversity, hydrology, land use, pressures will be collected and compiled in a single database to facilitate access to the needed information. This database will be open for use. A comprehensive bibliography about all studies performed in the delta will also be compiled and stored in the database.
- Collect data: Updated data on land use, pressures, agricultural practices will be collected. Field trips to the Kızılırmak delta will be performed. Especially questionnaires about land use will be applied. A modelling study on how climate change will affect/change the resources will be performed. It is important to understand what kind of a change is expected and it is important to utilise it for the sustainable use of the wetland.
- Production and dissemination of information: The existing and collected data will be used to advocate for the sustainable management of the site. Therefore, to reach the decision makers and different community of users, technical and scientific documents on the state and health of Kızılırmak delta will be produced. These reports and published articles will assist stakeholders involved in the management of Kızılırmak delta for decision making.
- Define and use the indicators to monitor the status and trends: Developing methods and indicators that allow detecting the changes in the Kızılırmak delta and to provide good quality information is essential for the sustainable management and conservation of the area. Defining indicators to obtain repeated and comparable data with minimum effort, time and budget is a key issue to provide good data for monitoring the changing conditions in the delta. Otherwise, if only one-off studies on some parameters or biodiversity elements are conducted, this limits the capacity to monitor the changes.
Communication: All the activities will be shared in ORC’s social media accounts, webpage and local and national newspapers. At least 10 social media post, 5 web page posts and two regional/national newspaper articles will be produced on activities of this project.
Besides this, more academic outputs such as technical and scientific articles will also be an instrument to disseminate information, using e.g. the universities main web page.
Quantified and verifiable results to be achieved at the end of the project:
- A wetland observatory network established
- Capacity of stakeholders increased
- A freely available database on existing and collected data established
- Indicators to monitor the status and trends of Kızılırmak delta have been defined
- Scientific and technical information is produced for the use of wise site management
- Obtained results disseminated for a broad audience
Negative consequences:
The project time is limited to establish a self-standing wetlands observatory incorporated to the national conventions and regulations. But ORC will start with it during the project phase and lobby for a sustainable observatory, beyond the microproject duration. ORC is already doing the basic monitoring of many waterbird species and breeding birds in the delta. These long lasting monitoring efforts will enable to monitor the trends and status of some bird populations to influence decision makers.
6. Organizational framework of the project:
ORC is responsible for the implementation and follow up of the project and is responsible to report to Tour du Valat periodically. All activity outputs will be shared with TdV. If there will be any delay or limitation to fulfil the project activities TdV will be informed and prior to any change TdV’s approval will be obtained. Since we are approaching the end of the project, any activity which cannot be performed before the end of the FFEM project may involve TdV retaining the part of the budget, corresponding to undone activities.
The project coordinator is Dr. Kiraz Erciyas Yavuz, an academician at ORC. She has been working since 1999 in the Kızılırmak delta and is predominant to the area. Knows the balance between the institutions very well. She will coordinate the activities, where a person will assist her. All financial and accounting management will be performed from the Ondokuz Mayıs University Project management units’ financial office.
– the definition of the action programme and any amendments;
7. Timetable of execution:
The timetable for the implementation of the different activities of the micro-project, by objective, is shown in the table below.
| 2022 | ||||||
| J | A | S | O | N | D | |
| OBJECTIVE 1 | ||||||
| Execution activity 1 | ||||||
| OBJECTIVE 2 | ||||||
| Execution activity 2 | ||||||
| Execution activity 3 | ||||||
| Execution activity 4 | ||||||
| OBJECTIVE 3 | ||||||
| Execution activity 5 | ||||||
| Intermediate reports | ||||||
| Final report | ||||||
8. Project cost and estimated budget:
The total cost of the project is estimated at 11.000 Euros. The detailed provisional budget of the project is reported in Annex 2.
9. Justification of the project in terms of eligibility criteria:
Micro-projects must meet a maximum of the following conditions]
- Contribution to meeting the specific challenges of one or more wetlands with high heritage value in the country:
Kızılırmak delta is one of the 14 Ramsar sites in Turkey and the unique UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site on the tentative list.
- Contribution to sustainable economic and social development in ways that do not destroy biodiversity or natural resources:
The people in the delta live from agriculture, livestock husbandry, fishery. The wetlands observatory will provide updated data on the state of the wetland ecosystem and thus, a better management of the sites and sources will provide contribution for sustainable human activities.
- Place given to women in the micro-project:
The project coordinator and the project assistant are both women.
- Involvement of the population and agreement of local authorities: Indicate whether the agreement of the population, authorities and/or local administrations has been formally obtained for the project (attach letters if available); and describe the involvement and participation of the population in the various project activities:
ORC is a part of the wetland management plan, is member of the Kızılırmak Delta Management Plan Steering Committee and is active and in close collaboration with all stakeholders in the area.
- Contribution to behavioural change (illegal hunting, waste and effluent management, agricultural input management, etc.):
The proposed project will establish a good monitoring of the area. It will be possible to monitor the status and trends over short periods. Produced reports will inform all stakeholders engaged in wetland management about the up to date information and can overall influence site management and decision makers for any planned activities in the delta. Saying that information is not available to halt the unfavourable activities is one of the main excuses of the institutions managing the site.
- Contribution to raising awareness of the interest and value of the natural and cultural heritage of wetlands:
Trainings and disseminated material will raise awareness about the state and importance of the site and will promote sustainable use of their resources.
- Innovative or replicable character:
This will be the first wetland observatory in Turkey, and will therefore have the potential to be a model for others.
- Sustainability of results after the project and consolidation of the beneficiary CSO in its local fabric:
ORC has been active since its establishment on bird monitoring. With the future established network involving different stakeholders, it will be possible to keep it sustainable. Besides, the delta is in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site and studies continue to prepare and submit the final nomination dossier. Therefore, this kind of a wetland observatory structure will strengthen the management structure of the delta and this is what all institutions support.
- Contribution to capacity building: Specify how the proposal will improve the technical and management capacities of: (1) the Beneficiary CSO and (2) the population:
The activities will increase the knowledge of ORC. The creation of the database will contribute to the scientific development of ORC. Also, the activities will help foster a close collaboration and relation with the stakeholders.
- Consolidation of the partnership between partner CSOs and one or more emerging CSOs
Bafra Kızılırmak Irrigation Association will be an important CSO providing data on water use in the delta. SAMKUŞ (Samsun Kızılırmak Delta Protection and Development Association) is the main actor within this project, and will be involved in all parts.
10. Project follow-up
The final report must be received by Tour du Valat no later than January 2023, the official end date of the FFEM project – and the actions must be completed by 30/12/2022.
III – APPENDICES (To be added to the detailed project sheet)
Appendix 1 – Map/geographical situation of the proposal
Appendix 2 – Project Budget Format
(To be completed in Excel – Attached file)
| Total budget (€) | Monthly cost(€) | |
| 1-Operating costs of local offices | ||
| Toner for the printer | 100 | |
| Sub-total 1 – Local operating costs | 100 | |
| 2-Human Resources | ||
| Project assistant for 6 month | 2.400 | 400 |
| GIS expert for modelling | 1000 | |
| Sub-total 2 – Human Resources | 3400 | |
| 4- Scientific and technical equipment | ||
| Laptop | 900 | |
| Sub-total 4 – Scientific and technical equipment | 900 | |
| 5-Supplies / consumables | ||
| Pens, notebooks, folders | 200 | |
| Subtotal 5 – Supplies and consumables | 200 | |
| 7-Studies and intellectual services | ||
| 1 expert for capacity development trainings | 3000 | |
| Subtotal 7 – Studies and intellectual services | 3000 | |
| 8-Activities (including travel and accommodation expenses, etc.) | ||
| Travel expenses (field trip, site visits) | 2600 | |
| Food and coffee break during the trainings | 800 | |
| Subtotal 8 – Activities | 3400 | |
| GENERAL TOTAL | 11000 | |
| FINANCING PLAN (in €) | ||
| Total project cost (reminder): | ||
| Contribution requested from AFD-GEF: | ||
| Other financial partners* : | ||
| Partner 1 | ||
| Partner 2 | ||
| Partner 3 | ||
| Partner 4 | ||
| etc. | ||
| TOTAL (equal to the Grand Total above) | 0 |
