Climate, Doğa & Kültür, Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News, Small-Scale Fisheries

Join Our Team at Yolda Initiative!

We are looking to hire either: • a Programme Expert or • a Programme Officer depending on the qualifications of the applicants. At Yolda Initiative, we are dedicated to biodiversity conservation, tackling the climate crisis and preserving sustainable land and sea use systems. If you share our vision, we’d love to hear from you! 📍 Location: Çanakkale (preferred) or Ankara (acceptable). 📩 Application deadline: January 13, 2025.
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Climate, Nature & Culture, News

🌍 Conserving Patara Special Environmental Protected Area 🌿

As a consultant to the International Union for Conservation of Nature - Center for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN MED), Yolda Initiative has been tasked with developing the management and action plan for the Patara Special Environmental Protected Area (SEPA) in Antalya, Türkiye. This area is a pilot site within the framework of the Mediterranean-level RESCOM project. 🐠 Patara SEPA is a site of exceptional ecological, cultural and archaeological value. Its unique multi-biome ecosystems and rich historical significance highlight the critical need for sustainable management to protect its natural values and cultural heritage for future generations.
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Climate, Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News, Small-Scale Fisheries

Yolda contributes to the to multiple objectives of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”.

We are proud to announce that our Saros Bay Conservation and Restoration Planning Project has received endorsement from the European Commission as playing a central role in contributing to multiple objectives of the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters". This endorsement not only strengthens our commitment to protecting and restoring this ecologically and culturally rich area along Turkey’s Aegean coast but also highlights the importance of our project in driving transformative change in the Mediterranean. It integrates our work into the broader European commitment to marine #conservation and #sustainability.
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Climate, Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

A Cultural Practice in the Struggle against the Climate Crisis: The Case of Sarıkeçililer Workshop

On World Environment Day, we’re at the Kadıköy Environment Festival, sharing insights on mobile pastoralism and Sarıkeçili nomadic pastoralists under Geççi’s goat-hair tent. We'll highlight how local communities like the Sarıkeçililer, with centuries-old practices, contribute to biodiversity and the climate crisis fight.
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Climate, Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Understanding the Ecological Footprint of Mobile Pastoralism in Turkey: Fieldwork with Sarıkeçililer

In our recent fieldwork, we mapped the migration routes of mobile pastoralists in Turkey, collected data on traditional ecological knowledge, and examined the ecological benefits of this system. We found that mobile pastoralism, unlike industrial systems, relies minimally on high-carbon-footprint feed, supporting healthier livestock and ecosystems. Special thanks to the Sarıkeçililer Survival and Solidarity Association for their support.
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Climate, Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

New Publication: Are livestock always bad for the planet?

The new PASTRES report on pastoralism and climate change highlights the overlooked climate benefits of low-impact pastoral farming, cautioning against decisions based on misleading data. It emphasizes the differences between extensive livestock production and factory farming, urging better consideration of sustainable practices in climate and food debates.
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Climate, Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

A Presentation about Mobile Pastoralism and Climate at the Parliamentary Research Committee on the Impact of Global Climate Change

We presented “Mobile Pastoralism and the Climate Crisis” at the Parliamentary Research Committee meeting on June 23, 2021. Our discussion highlighted how mobile pastoralism sustains rangelands, minimizes fossil fuel use, reduces industrial inputs, prevents forest fires, and supports ecosystem resilience and water cycles.
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Climate, Mobile Pastoralism, News, Uncategorized

On the Move for Spring Migration: Day 7

Mobile pastoralism, illustrated by the Bacak family's migration, offers significant benefits for water cycle regulation. It reduces water resource pressure, prevents nutrient leaching, and maintains traditional water infrastructures supporting biodiversity. Mobile livestock consume water sustainably and enhance soil structure, demonstrating minimal environmental impact.
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