Global Challenges
The world faces severe environmental crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable resource use. Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since the late 19th century, and to avoid exceeding 1.5°C, emissions must be cut by 7.6% annually until 2030. The world has lost 178 million hectares of forest between 1990 and 2020, and wildlife populations have declined by 69% since 1970. Each year, 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans, while 9 out of 10 people breathe polluted air, contributing to millions of premature deaths.
Challenges in Türkiye
Even though environmental activism and conservation have become increasingly prominent in recent years, Türkiye faces its own set of environmental challenges, driven by urbanisation, industrialisation, and climate change, affecting air quality, water resources, and biodiversity:
- Air Pollution: Türkiye ranks 44th globally for air pollution, and according to the Dark Report of the Clean Air Rights Platform, has an air pollution-related death rate of 47 per 100,000 people. In cities impacted by the earthquakes, air quality worsened, exceeding national and WHO limits due to debris and heating methods.
- Soil and Water Pollution: There are 24,000 suspected soil contamination sites, and 79% of surface waters are polluted. Additionally, 56% of Organised Industrial Zones lack adequate wastewater treatment, contributing to rising pollution in lakes and seas, especially in Muğla, Mersin, Istanbul, and Izmir.
- Plastic Waste: Türkiye is the 2nd-largest plastic producer in Europe, yet 90% of municipal waste ends up in landfills. Inefficient waste management leads to plastic leakage into the Mediterranean, making Türkiye the largest contributor to European marine plastic pollution.
- Deforestation and Forest Fires: Wildfires, agricultural expansion, urbanisation, and energy projects drive deforestation, with forest fires increasing by 60% over the last decade. In 2021, around 140,000 hectares were destroyed, primarily in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.
- Drought: Türkiye faces extreme drought risks, with rainfall decreasing by 31% in 2023. The freshwater resources are under significant threat due to climate change and pollution.

Digital Transformation for Women in Fisheries
Women in Fisheries Society (Kadın Balıkçılar Derneği) strengthened its capacity and ensured digital transformation with a core grant. They launched an e-commerce site, adopted digital tools for managing donations, and attended training on data management, digital security, e-commerce, and fundraising. To enhance communication, they produced videos and shared reports with national and international stakeholders.
Our Approach
Civil society organisations (CSOs) are key in environmental protection by raising awareness, protecting endangered habitats, pushing for policy reforms, and empowering local communities to adopt sustainable practices.
Addressing the environmental challenges facing Türkiye is a priority for us. Since our inception, we’ve supported CSOs working on environmental causes with 49 grants totalling over £313,886.
Partnerships for Greater Impact
To amplify our impact, we collaborate with prestigious partners such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Conservation Collective, and the Turkish Philanthropy Funds. These partnerships enable us to pool resources, share expertise, and support a broader range of environmental initiatives.
Making a Difference
In 2021, we launched our Environmental Sustainability Fund to support projects promoting sustainability, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, waste management, and climate change mitigation. So far, the fund has provided 28 grants.
Our grants have helped protect and restore natural habitats, promoted the adoption of renewable energy sources, encouraged waste reduction, recycling, and upcycling practices, supported initiatives mitigating the impacts of climate change, raised awareness and enhanced community resilience.
Explore the full list of grants we’ve provided, supporting impactful projects across various areas of work since our inception.
Grants in Action

Marine Mammals Research Association (Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği – DMAD), aiming to protect cetaceans and marine habitats in the Turkish Mediterranean, has connected 58 organisations and individuals, provided scientific training to students, and conducted community awareness surveys about marine mammals. They hosted stakeholder meetings in Antalya and published a report on the threats facing cetaceans in the region.

Nature Association (Doğa Derneği) raised awareness about the Gediz Delta, a key Mediterranean wetland. Two meetings gathered 190 experts, civil society actors, and decision-makers to discuss its significance. The association also engaged over 500 students and 22 teachers in Izmir and held bird-watching events with more than 130 participants. A documentary and booklet about the delta were shared on social media to educate the public.

Nature and Science Association (Doğa ve Bilim Derneği) took a step toward protecting marine life along the Samandağ Hırlavuk Coast in Hatay by organising a major ocean clean-up. Divers set off from the Samandağ-Çevlik Fishermen’s Shelter to the Ray-Stingray Field, removing plastic and harmful waste. This effort not only helps safeguard endangered species but also engages the local community in being part of the solution.
More of Mozaik in Action

Children’s Rights
Learn about how we empower civil society organisations promoting children’s rights.
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Animal Rights
Discover how our grants support initiatives improving the well-being of animals in Türkiye.
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Emergencies
Explore how we support the people and regions affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
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