We are pleased to announce the newest grantee partners of the Turquoise Coast Environment Fund – a collaboration between Türkiye Mozaik Foundation, the Conservation Collective, and the Support Foundation for Civil Society (Sivil Toplum için Destek Vakfı). The fund supports efforts to protect Türkiye’s marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, and this partnership continues into 2026.
In the seventh grant cycle, the call for applications received 45 eligible applications from 13 provinces across Türkiye. Through this round, we are jointly providing a total of 3,900,000 TL to four local organisations, supporting their work on marine pollution, climate advocacy, and the protection of coastal and wetland ecosystems through research and storytelling. Together, these projects strengthen locally led, knowledge-driven environmental action across Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions.
Türkiye Mozaik Foundation contributed £10,000 to this cycle.
Meet our new grantee partners and their projects:
Climate Academy Global (Küresel İklim Akademisi Derneği)
Using COP31 as a catalyst, this project strengthens the climate policy and advocacy capacity of at least 50 coastal civil society organisations in the Mediterranean and Aegean through targeted trainings and workshops. It establishes a “Blue Advocacy Platform” to support collaboration and knowledge-sharing, produces a podcast series on coastal and marine ecosystems (including topics such as blue carbon and COP31), develops a Coastal Resilience Policy Paper for relevant stakeholders, and convenes a dedicated event at COP31.
Ecosphere Association (Ekosfer Derneği)
Focusing on the Büyük Menderes Delta and Bafa Lake, this project raises awareness of biodiversity loss and conservation challenges through field research and stakeholder engagement with local organisations and public institutions. It will produce a three-part media series and a short documentary (min. 10 minutes), and organise public events combining screenings, discussions, and nature-inspired music performances. The content will be widely disseminated through media and social platforms, reaching at least 300,000 people.
Ildır Sea Passenger Transport Cooperative (Ildır Deniz Yolcu Taşıma Kooperatifi)
This project addresses marine pollution in Ildır, Çeşme by establishing a bilge waste management system for small-scale vessels. Through a bilge tanker system, waste from fishing boats and marine vehicles will be regularly collected and safely disposed of at licensed facilities, preventing discharge into the sea. At least 200 tonnes of bilge waste will be collected during the project, alongside awareness-raising activities with fishers and boat owners to promote sustainable practices.
Law, Nature and Society Foundation – HUDOTO (Hukuk, Doğa ve Toplum Vakfı)
Focusing on plastic pollution in coastal and wetland ecosystems, this project strengthens the advocacy capacity of civil society organisations in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions. It delivers online trainings on plastic pollution, biodiversity impacts, and legal tools; convenes a workshop in İzmir to support experience-sharing and joint advocacy strategies; and produces a practical advocacy handbook and social media content. The project also includes a COP31 event to connect local efforts with global policy discussions.
We look forward to sharing updates on these impactful projects as they progress. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and stories from the field.
