As the BirdLife International partner in Türkiye, Doğa Derneği (Doğa) is devoted to safeguarding biodiversity through cutting-edge research and conservation initiatives. Since its establishment in 2002, Doğa has been a driving force in protecting migratory routes, ecosystems, and iconic species such as the greater flamingo, Egyptian vulture, sociable lapwing, and great bustard.
In addition to species-focused efforts, Doğa is at the forefront of identifying and preserving Indigenous Production Landscapes (IPLs), cultural landscapes that are vital for sustaining biodiversity. Our hands on conservation efforts span diverse regions in Türkiye, including the olive and oak pastures of the Aegean, the Angora goat meadows of Ankara, and the agricultural mosaics of Divriği in Sivas. Despite rapid socio-economic shifts that have transformed traditional landscapes into monocultures, IPLs remain critical. These landscapes reflect agricultural practices that balance biodiversity with food quality while minimizing external inputs. Comparable landscapes include the Dehesa in Spain, Satoyama in Japan, and Türkiye’s Horata hills along its southwestern coastal rim.
Doğa Derneği has been a pioneer in biodiversity conservation in Türkiye. In 2006, we coordinated the completion of one of the world’s first national Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) inventories. This effort laid the groundwork for the KBA Updating Programme, launched in 2023 to identify and prioritize Türkiye’s most irreplaceable natural areas. Scientific research forms the foundation of our conservation initiatives, while the rich indigenous traditions of local communities inspire our on-the-ground actions.
In 2014, Doğa Derneği established the School of Nature in Orhanlı village, İzmir. Inspired by cultures that harmoniously coexist with nature, the School of Nature serves as a platform to institutionalize Doğa’s accumulated knowledge and share it with conservation practitioners, grassroots communities, and stakeholders. The school offers courses that cover diverse topics, such as applied conservation methods, river basin management, landscape and protected area stewardship, species conservation, pastoral ecosystems, and human ecology.
The School of Nature’s courses are designed to align with critical conservation issues locally and globally. Thematic programs, such as the Nature and Law School, are conducted not only in Orhanlı but also across Anatolia and through online platforms. Since its inception, the School has been a hub for training youth, women, and stakeholders, fostering a connected and empowered conservation network in Türkiye and the Mediterranean region.
Participants of the School maintain their ties to Doğa through established communication channels, allowing for continued capacity development, networking, and volunteer opportunities. Through these efforts, Doğa is building a vibrant, informed, and active community dedicated to conserving Türkiye’s rich natural heritage.
