Sustainability Learning Initiative in Seferihisar’s Orhanlı Valley

The Olive School organised by Doğa Derneği recently welcomed participants to the Orhanlı Valley in Seferihisar for an immersive learning experience exploring the thousands-year history of the olive and its relevance for sustainable futures. The programme combined cultural heritage, environmental awareness, and practical agricultural knowledge to highlight the continuing importance of traditional land-use practices in contemporary sustainability discussions.

Through hands-on, field-based learning activities, participants examined traditional olive cultivation techniques, explored the biodiversity found within olive grove ecosystems, and reflected on the connections between olive oil production, Anatolian food culture, and the region’s distinctive biogeography. By bringing together olive grove owners, prospective producers, and sustainability enthusiasts, the initiative fostered dialogue on responsible production methods and living in balance with local ecosystems.

The initiative also provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange at the European level. The IZTECH team participated as a partner of the ASSETS Project, joining the programme as observers and engaging in discussions on sustainability practices and ecosystem stewardship. Their participation contributed to cross-sectoral dialogue on how traditional knowledge, community engagement, and environmental awareness can support more resilient and sustainable local economies.