Addressing marine invasive alien species in Turkish seas

Addressing marine invasive alien species in Turkish seas

Combatting invasive alien species (IAS) is an issue of global importance due to their severe negative impacts on ecological systems, the economy, public health, and public welfare. Türkiye’s unique geology, geography, and climate make it a hotspot for biodiversity, both on land and in the seas that border the country on three sides. However, this rich bounty of nature faces threats from 872 different invasive species that have intruded over past decades owing to the opening of the Suez Canal, the discharge of ballast waters from ships in transit, and the impacts of climate change. 

To help the country tackle this threat, the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye is implementing the “Addressing Invasive Alien Species Threats at Key Marine Biodiversity Areas” initiative in collaboration with the UNDP.  The initiative is supported by US$3.3 million in funding from the GEF. The project is implemented between 19 October 2018 and 19 April 2025.

panorama
East Europe
Visit page

Related content

Biodiversity and responsible sourcing for wind and solar developments

The key aim of this report is to outline how developers can start to act on supply chain biodiversity impacts by improving traceability and sourcing practices through. It is primarily aimed at developers of wind and solar projects and transmission infrastructure, who primarily source composite goods (e.g. wind turbines and solar panels).

Increased population of the Beisa Oryx

The project’s overall objective was to protect and conserve the Beisa Oryx in Nakuprat-Gotu Community Conservancy in Northern Kenya through community buy in and stewardship. This was to be achieved through enhanced conservancy governance, improved wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching patrols by rangers, running conservation awareness programs within the community settlement areas and schools, sustainable land management, and providing alternative income streams for charcoal sellers and subsistence poachers. This project is part of the IUCN Save Our Species African Wildlife initiative, co-funded by the European Union.

Challenges that were addressed:

Poaching of the Beisa Oryx 

Habitat destruction through the cutting of trees to produce charcoal 

The Beisa Oryx population increased from a baseline of 719 at the beginning of the project to 881 after one year during the project. This was majorly because the project provided alternative livelihood options for community members through vocational training skills which dissuaded them

Forest Futures: JCDT's Vision for a Greener Blue and John Crow Mountains

The Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust has been actively engaged in reforestation and conservation efforts in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, with the goal of maintaining and enhancing the remaining areas of closed and disturbed broadleaf forest and protecting the plant and animal species that exist there. 

Key activities include employing community members for planting and forest restoration, ongoing seedling collection, and refurbishing nurseries to increase capacity. We have planted over 300 acres of degraded land with native trees, and created and maintained 3.5 km of firebreaks. 

Innovative approaches such as piloting an early fire detection system using LoRa technology have been implemented. Our strategic approach also involves partnering with others to conduct studies that guide the preparation of conservation strategies and plans, linking conservation plans to visitor management plans for key sites, and promoting research to guide the implementation of conservation programs. 

Making the Case for Fish

Fish plays a crucial role in global food and nutrition security, particularly for food-insecure households. In this solution, the GIZ Global Programme Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (GP Fish) highlights the significance of fish in combating malnutrition and promoting healthy diets. By integrating scientific research with extensive field data and practical solutions, the program offers a comprehensive overview of the current situation in various countries and suggests a way forward. Blue foods, such as fish from aquaculture, are identified as a promising source of protein and nutrients, especially in low-income and food-deficit regions. Smallholder fish production offers nutritional, economic, and environmental benefits, making it a vital component of the diets of vulnerable communities. The evidence underscores the need to boost the supply of fish in local markets. Fish from small-scale aquaculture not only addresses nutrition insecurity and poverty but also supports the sustainable transformation of food systems.

Roots of Change: Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration in Kenya

The mangroves of Lamu and Tana account for over 65% (40,610 ha) of Kenya’s mangrove forests, which cover 61,271 ha. These critical ecosystems have been and are currently under threat mainly from logging for poles and fuelwood, infrastructural development, urbanisation, pollution and climate change impacts. Although well-intentioned, mangrove restoration efforts by government, civil society organisations, communities, and the private sector often focus solely on planting. This approach overlooks factors like water flow, nutrients, sediment dynamics, governance, and socio-economic conditions, all of which are essential for long-term mangrove health and successful ecosystem recovery.

To address this, Wetlands International partnered with Kenya Forest Service and Mangrove Action Project in 2022 to introduce Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) on Kenya’s coast. CBEMR considers the ecological, social, and political aspects of mangrove ecosystems, prioritising conservation and natural regeneration over planting.

Reversing the decline of threatened Saharan wildlife in the Aïr & Ténéré National Nature Reserve of Niger

The Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant threats from past conflicts, poaching, deforestation, and gold mining, all of which endanger its rich biodiversity. Iconic species such as the Dama gazelle and Barbary sheep are particularly at risk. This project seeks to safeguard this critical habitat by mitigating threats, expanding ecological knowledge, and actively engaging local communities in conservation efforts, while also addressing their health and livelihood needs. However, major challenges persist, including security concerns, the remoteness of target areas, and limited resources to ensure long-term sustainability. This initiative is part of IUCN’s Save Our Species African Wildlife program, co-funded by the European Union.

Neotropical primates : a newsletter of the Neotropical Section of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group

Biodiversity protection in Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve

The Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve in Shaanxi has ensured the safety of forest resources and the stability of biodiversity through the rigorous implementation of a series of laws and regulations, the forest resource protection responsibility system, and the enforcement of patrolling systems. By establishing research bases for the monitoring of key species, collaborating with numerous universities and research institutions, and executing projects such as those funded by WWF and GEF, the reserve actively engages in a variety of promotional activities, strengthens community co-management initiatives, and diligently fulfills its commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecological environment protection.

Hydroponic Fodder Production for Livestock Farming

The Hydroponic Fodder and Livestock Farming Initiative seeks to transform Tajikistan’s agriculture by introducing innovative, sustainable practices. This project establishes advanced hydroponic systems to produce high-quality fodder, addressing key challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and economic instability. Engineered for optimized production, these systems ensure a reliable supply of nutritious feed, vital for agricultural productivity amid environmental and economic pressures. By promoting eco-friendly, resource-efficient farming, Zira Group’s initiative supports climate resilience, food security, and a sustainable agricultural model aligned with conservation goals for enhanced livestock farming efficiency and regional resilience.

Reviving High Quality Coffee to Stimulate Climate Adaptation in Smallholder Farming Communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

The burgeoning specialty coffee sector in DRC offers a compelling example of how regenerative agricultural practices can enhance both environmental sustainability and market value. By focusing on producing high-quality coffee and implementing improved farming techniques, Congolese coffee farmers are tapping into a growing global demand for ethically sourced specialty coffee. Higher product standards command premium prices and contribute to increased economic resilience within local communities. 

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) funded a partnership between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Nespresso, and TechnoServe through this project. Through Nespresso’s AAA Sustainable quality program, the project supported the sustainability of smallholder coffee farming households in South Kivu, DRC, while working to restore and revitalize degraded natural environments. Nespresso, TechnoServe, and DRC coffee farmers and cooperatives have partnered since 2019.

IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management annual report 2024

Catalysing biodiversity on buildings

The capacity of cities as landscapes to support biodiversity is accepted as one of the critical steps necessary to halt global biodiversity loss and also address the other two aspects of the triple planetary crisis, climate change and pollution. The intent of the report is to communicate opportunities for the integration of nature and biodiversity into the building scale, through the measures implemented within the individual building structure. The document provides context by reviewing global agreements and initiatives that support these themes, and discusses leading examples from global cities before providing a more in-depth review of the range of initiatives from eight European municipalities.