Environmental challenges are rarely isolated. Protecting ecosystems, strengthening local economies, preserving biodiversity, and building resilient communities are deeply interconnected goals that require collaborative solutions.
Across Türkiye, local organizations are developing innovative approaches that address environmental challenges while creating opportunities for community engagement, education, and sustainable livelihoods. From restoring freshwater ecosystems to protecting endangered species, these efforts demonstrate the power of locally driven solutions supported by strategic philanthropy.
Join us for a conversation with The Turquoise Coast Fund (TCF), Türkiye Sürdürülebilir İnsani Yardım ve Eğitim Vakfı (Türsiyev), and Tarsus Slow Food Yeryüzü Pazarı Derneği as we explore two environmental initiatives in southern Türkiye: the rehabilitation of the Asi River Basin and Gölbaşı Lake through water hyacinth upcycling and women-led livelihoods, and the conservation of the endangered Fish Owl in the Göksu Delta through research, education, and community engagement.
The session will also highlight how TPF, Turquoise Coast Fund, and other philanthropic partners came together to support locally led environmental solutions, demonstrating the power of collaborative philanthropy to address complex environmental challenges and create lasting impact.
Featured Speakers:
Turan Çetin, Tarsus Slow Food Earth Market Association
Özge Sönmez, Turquoise Coast Fund
Aylin Uçkunkaya, TÜRSİYEV
We’ll be hosting a live Q&A session to answer your questions and provide deeper insights. We look forward to seeing you!
*This session will be in Turkish.
About TCF:
TCF (Turquoise Coast Fund) was established in 2022 to protect, restore, and regenerate Türkiye’s unique coastal and marine ecosystems while supporting the communities that depend on them. Through strategic philanthropy, TCF mobilizes resources to strengthen local environmental organizations, advance biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, promote sustainable food systems, and support community-led solutions that create both environmental and economic benefits. By investing in scalable local initiatives and building a strong network of environmental champions, TCF aims to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for Türkiye’s coastlines.
Founded in 2023, TÜRSİYEV is a non-profit civil society organization that develops community-driven solutions to global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Its work focuses on protecting water resources, forest ecosystems, and biodiversity while strengthening the resilience of local communities, with a particular emphasis on women’s empowerment.
Tarsus Slow Food Earth Market Association is a local civil society organization based in Tarsus, Mersin Province, and part of the global Slow Food movement. The association operates an Earth Market (Yeryüzü Pazarı), bringing together small-scale producers, farmers, and food artisans with consumers to promote traditional agricultural knowledge, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems in the Çukurova region. In addition to supporting local producers, the association conducts awareness-raising activities to promote sustainable and clean food consumption, reduce food waste, preserve traditional production methods, and protect biodiversity.
About Türkiye Sürdürülebilir İnsani Yardım ve Egitim Vakfi:
Founded in 2023, TÜRSİYEV is a non-profit civil society organization that develops community-driven solutions to global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Its work focuses on protecting water resources, forest ecosystems, and biodiversity while strengthening the resilience of local communities, with a particular emphasis on women’s empowerment.
About Tarsus Slow Food Earth Market Association:
Tarsus Slow Food Earth Market Association is a local civil society organization based in Tarsus, Mersin Province, and part of the global Slow Food movement. The association operates an Earth Market (Yeryüzü Pazarı), bringing together small-scale producers, farmers, and food artisans with consumers to promote traditional agricultural knowledge, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems in the Çukurova region. In addition to supporting local producers, the association conducts awareness-raising activities to promote sustainable and clean food consumption, reduce food waste, preserve traditional production methods, and protect biodiversity.