What is the project about? 

The project aims to establish the institutional and technical infrastructure in Türkiye to achieve integrated natural resource management (INRM) in regions with very humid climate through demonstration of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) techniques that blend the new global approaches and traditional knowledge in Eastern Black Sea Coastal Region of Türkiye. The project objective will be achieved through project components that: (1) strengthen the capacities of and coordination among key institutions for successful project implementation in the short- to medium-term, as well as for long-term coordinated action among leading authorities through a LDN compatible integrated natural resource management (INRM) plan; (2) adopt and replicate a set of tried and approved, tailored, applicable, and cost-effective SLM practices for local stakeholders in target region; (3) foster sharing of knowledge and information regarding land degradation and its causes, and sustainable land management as a solution to a wider regional, national and global audience.

The project components are:

• Component 1: Integrated nature resource planning in the landscapes with very humid climate
• Component 2: Land based SLM practices in landscapes with very
• Component 3: M&E, knowledge management, and replication

The Integrated Natural Resource Management in Very Humid Climatic Regions of the Eastern Black Sea Coastal Region in Türkiye Project (DOKSAY) is a project supported through GEF-7 cycle implemented in partnership with the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion Control (ÇEM) under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (MoEUCC), relevant governmental institutions, and with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It is one of the first GEF project executed through NGO, Nature Conservation Centre (DKM), based on the new regulations by GEF Secretariat.

What is the situation? 

Many sustainable land management techniques have been developed and implemented in Turkey. However, since most of these techniques are designed for arid and semi-arid climate zones, their applicability is limited in the Eastern Black Sea Region, which is in a high-humidity climate zone. The Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye is characterized by high humidity, rugged terrain and steep mountainous topography. This significantly reduces the proportion of land suitable for agriculture in a region where tea and hazelnuts are the main agricultural products. On the other hand, the impact of climate change is causing an increasing risk of natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and flash floods in the region.

What is our mission? 

Our mission is to improve Turkey's capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change by strengthening national and local policies, raising awareness and supporting concrete adaptation practices, and to take measures to ensure sustainable management of the environment and natural resources in urban ecosystem hinterlands.

How are we doing this? 

Working with a multi-level approach, including the preparation of climate adaptation strategies and action plans, capacity building activities for public institutions and stakeholders, awareness raising events and implementation of grant-funded local adaptation projects. We also contribute to ensuring coordination and sustainability by promoting dialogue between national and local actors.

How will Türkiye benefit? 

The Project is a multifaceted project that aims to make significant environmental, social and economic contributions to Türkiye. It will serve as a model for developing low-cost, nature-based solutions to land management issues. By blending traditional knowledge with innovative practices, this project plays a significant role in environmental sustainability, rural development, and combating climate change. It particularly supports the transition to a sustainable development model through more resilient and adaptive land use in the Eastern Black Sea Region.

The project is being implemented in line with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Türkiye's Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets within this framework; it contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and Türkiye's mitigation and adaptation strategies and targets for combating climate change.