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, 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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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

New Publication: A Retro-Innovative Perspective for Sustainable Economies: Mobile Pastoralism

The final report of our project, "A Retro-Innovative Perspective for Sustainable Economies: Mobile Pastoralism," has been published. It offers economic sustainability strategies for Sarıkeçili mobile pastoralists, focusing on integrating their products into modern markets. Access the full report (in Turkish) and workshop excerpts here.
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fp, Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Regional Workshop on Mobile Pastoralism and Vultures Report

We are pleased to present the report from the “Regional Workshop on Mobile Pastoralism and Vultures,” organized by Yolda Initiative, Vulture Conservation Foundation, and the Macedonian Ecological Society. This workshop highlighted the importance of sustainable pastoralism for vulture conservation and biodiversity, fostering dialogue and collaboration between pastoralists and conservationists.
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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

New article: Pastoralism in the high Himalayas: Understanding changing practices and their implications for parasite transmission between livestock and wildlife

A new peer-reviewed article, supported by Yolda Initiative, explores human-wildlife conflict in the High Himalayas. It focuses on potential disease transmission between migratory and resident livestock and Asiatic ibex. The study advocates participatory disease management with pastoralists to align livelihoods with wildlife conservation, promoting proactive, sustainable solutions over mobility restrictions.
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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Regional Workshop on Mobile Pastoralism and Vultures Workshop

We are excited to announce the Regional Workshop on Mobile Pastoralism and Vultures, taking place from 26 to 28 October 2022 in Northern Macedonia. Organized by Yolda Initiative, Vulture Conservation Foundation, EuroNatur, and Macedonian Ecological Society, the workshop aims to foster collaboration between pastoralists and vulture conservationists.
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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

New Article: A pattern of livestock depredation by snow leopards the yak herding pastoralists

A new peer-reviewed article, supported by Yolda Initiative, investigates the snow leopard’s livestock depredation on yak herding pastoralists in West Bhutan. It emphasizes the importance of understanding root causes to develop sustainable solutions, instead of restricting pastoralist mobility, which has often proven counterproductive. 
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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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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Milestone decision for Pastoralists and Rangelands!

The UN General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. This milestone, achieved with partners and the IYRP2026 Initiative, highlights the importance of cultural landscapes and pastoralism in biodiversity conservation and community wellbeing, driving continued efforts toward global collaboration and support.
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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Sustainable Economies for Mobile Pastoralism

We concluded our “Sustainable Economic Model for Mobile Pastoralism” workshop, organized by the Yolda Initiative, Sarıkeçililer Survival and Solidarity Association, and I4D. Experts from various fields explored mobile pastoralism’s economic potential, discussing meat, dairy, cosmetics, and wool products, and developing sustainable, nature- and climate-friendly models. Thank you to all the participants!
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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Our Call to UNFCCC COP 26 Participants

As COP26 begins, it's crucial to recognize mobile pastoralism as a pioneer in sustainable livestock production. It supports livelihoods, reduces fossil fuel reliance, and plays a vital role in mitigating the climate crisis. By fostering resilient ecosystems and carbon sequestration, mobile pastoralism is an essential pathway toward achieving global net-zero goals. Supporting this system is not only necessary for climate action but also for securing food for hundreds of millions who rely on it. Let’s ensure mobile pastoralists' voices are heard in global climate debates and policies.
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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Sustainable Economies for Mobile Pastoralism

Our project, "A Retro-Innovative Perspective for Sustainable Economies: Mobile Pastoralism," continues with an exciting workshop bringing together Sarıkeçili nomadic pastoralists, researchers, development specialists, cooperatives, chefs, and textile designers. Together, we will explore the economic potential of mobile pastoralism, focusing on products like meat, dairy, wool, and cosmetics, while promoting environmental sustainability.
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Mobile Pastoralism, Nature & Culture, News

Our Call to CBD COP 15 Participants

As CBD COP 15 begins online, we emphasize the vital link between mobile pastoralism and biodiversity. Protected areas must be managed respecting mobile pastoralists' inherent land rights, avoiding harmful policies like forced evictions and mobility restrictions. For more details, see our article "Mobile Pastoralism and Protected Areas: Conflict, Collaboration and Connectivity."
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