Under the “Addressing Invasive Alien Species Threats at Key Marine Biodiversity Areas”, the only project of GEF VI in the world, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented jointly by our General Directorate and UNDP Turkey Office, publicity meetings at pilot areas were held on 10 April in Kırklareli, on 11 April in Balıkesir and finally on 13 April in Hatay. Participating in the meetings were the project teams of our General Directorate and of UNDP Turkey, relevant personnel of regional directorates, representatives of provincial public organisations, academicians, NGO representatives and the general public.
The Project focuses on the following four key marine biodiversity areas:
1. Igneada National Park (Kırklareli),
2. Ayvalık Islands Nature Park (Balıkesir),
3. Marmara Islands (Balıkesir),
4. Hatay-Samandag Seal Habitat and Sea Turtle Spawning Ground.
The objective of the Project is to identify invasive alien species, reduce or eradicate their adverse impacts, alleviate their pressure on natural species and habitats, and monitor invasive alien species. With GEF funding of 3,344,654 USD, the project will start in the second quarter of 2018 to last for 5 years.