Description
The Sustainable Life for the Freshwater Ecosystem of the Gediz Delta project seeks to address these issues by restoring and conserving the delta’s threatened wet meadow habitats. As the first freshwater ecosystem restoration initiative of its kind in Turkey, this project will enhance local capacity for sustainable wetland management while establishing a model for freshwater conservation and carbon sequestration in the face of climate change. Led by Doğa Derneği in collaboration with the Izmir Institute of Technology, the project will work to restore the ecological integrity of over 200 hectares of the delta, support biodiversity, and strengthen local livelihoods through sustainable grazing practices. The project will have both local and national impacts. Locally, it will improve ecosystem resilience, increase awareness among residents, and support sustainable land use practices that benefit both people and nature. Nationally, it will advance knowledge on freshwater restoration in Turkey, promoting long-term conservation efforts and best practices for freshwater ecosystems. Through scientific partnerships, educational outreach, and local engagement, the project will contribute to a sustainable future for the Gediz Delta and potentially serve as a replicable model for wetland restoration across the Mediterranean region.