The Gediz Delta holds immense ecological significance as one of Turkey’s and the Mediterranean Basin’s important wetlands, providing crucial wintering, foraging, and breeding grounds for numerous species. Designated as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) and Key Biodiversity Area, the delta hosts 301 of the 500 bird species recorded in Turkey, including iconic species such as the Dalmatian pelican and a large population of greater flamingos. Urbanisation, inadequate water management, unsustainable agricultural practices, illegal hunting, coastal erosion, and pollution pose significant threats to the delta. Doga’s ongoing efforts aim to mitigate these challenges, building upon over two decades of biodiversity conservation, monitoring, restoration, awareness, and advocacy in the Gediz Delta.
Doga unveiled the initiation of the “Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated In the Mediterranean Region (CARDIMED)” project, funded by the Horizon Europe Programme. The project aims to introduce a comprehensive framework for building climate resilience in the Mediterranean biogeographical region, consolidating efforts of areas and communities across various countries and continents. Assoc leads CARDIMED. Prof. Simos Malamis from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Özge Yaylalı, the Biodiversity Research Officer at Doga, represents Doga Dernegi (BirdLife in Turkey).
The actions will be implemented across 9 demonstration sites, including the South Gediz Delta, involving 51 partners. Over the course of the 4.5-year project, our objectives include enhancing biodiversity, reducing pollution, mitigating shoreline erosion, uplifting the well-being of vulnerable local communities, strengthening bonds between the delta and locals, addressing landscape degradation, and preventing excessive salinisation through freshwater inflow. Additionally, biodiversity monitoring will be conducted in the initial and final years to assess the impact of our interventions on the ecosystem with the supporting project by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through Tour du Valat (TdV).
These efforts not only alleviate pressure and threats in the Gediz Delta but also serve as a model for other regions in Turkey. Nature-based solutions to be implemented include coastal wetlands restoration, invasive species control, restoring native vegetation, lagoon restoration, sustainable communal grazing, green corridors, diversion channels, and reintroducing native fauna.
For a comprehensive project overview, please visit the “CARDIMED” webpage.
For further information, please contact Özge Yaylali.
