Issue: 92
Photo: Faika Berat Pehlivan, Photo Contest on MDGs
Based on comprehensive official statistics, the Millennium Development Goals Report 2013 shows that the combined actions of national governments, the international community, civil society and the private sector are making the achievement of the MDGs a reality.
After the sign of Millennium Declaration in 2000, millions of people’s lives were improved by already meeting targets on reducing poverty, increasing access to safe water and achieving gender parity in primary schools.
Millions of lives saved
According to the report, big gains have been made in health.
Between 2000 and 2010, mortality rates from malaria fell by more than 25 per cent globally, and an estimated 1.1 million deaths were averted.
Death rates from tuberculosis at the global level and in several regions could be halved by 2015, compared to 1990 levels.
Between 1995 and 2011, a cumulative total of 51 million tuberculosis patients were successfully treated, saving 20 million lives.
The target of halving the percentage of people suffering from hunger by 2015 is within reach, the report says.
The proportion of undernourished people worldwide decreased from 23 per cent in 1990-1992 to 15 per cent in 2010-2012.
Uneven progress
Global attention needs to focus on disparities, the report recommends. Progress towards the eight MDGs has been uneven not only among regions and countries, but also between population groups within countries.
People living in poverty or in rural areas remain at an unfair disadvantage.
In 2011, only 53 per cent of births in rural areas were attended by skilled health personnel, versus 84 per cent in urban areas.
Eighty-three per cent of the population without access to an improved drinking water source lives in rural communities.
MDGs and the post-2015 development agenda
The report says a successful conclusion to the MDGs will be an important building block for a successor development agenda, and that volumes of experience and lessons learned from the MDGs will benefit prospects for continued progress.
The Millennium Development Goals Report, an annual assessment of global and regional progress towards the Goals, reflects the most comprehensive, up-to-date data compiled by over 27 UN and international agencies and is produced by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
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This year’s theme of the summit which is #2030NOW will facilitate a global conversation and lively debate on the world we want in 2030 and how we unleash the next generation of innovation to make it a reality.
This year’s summit will include creative new features to maximize engagement, such as an increased number of meet ups around the world to take place alongside the summit and prominent experts serving as Keynote Listeners.
Registration for the global event for anyone who is interested in is now open at www.socialgoodsummit.com .
Join the Summit for Building a brighter, shared future: #2030NOW
The Social Good Summit will take place as the UN General Assembly convenes for its annual meeting.
This year’s theme, #2030NOW, will challenge participants to imagine the world we want in 2030 and share solutions, lessons learned, and ideas about how technology and social media can help create it.
#2030NOW builds on the UN-led process to craft a post-2015 development agenda that will follow and accelerate progress on the Millennium Development Goals.
Summit participants will support the UN’s long-term goals by focusing on the following question: Will the solutions we are creating in today’s digital world truly have a lasting impact on our future and how are we paving the way for the next generation of innovation?
A growing global conversation
This year’s Social Good Summit will extend across the globe, reaching more communities than ever before.
Last year, people in more than 300 cities in 150 countries joined the summit conversation by organizing in-person or online meetings in their own communities and connecting via video and social media.
Through the newly launched +SocialGood platform and with the reach of the UN Development Programme’s country offices, the 2013 summit organizers will increase the number of meet ups in local communities around the world.
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Knowledge exchange visit in Aksaray and Tire in which breeders from fifteen cooperatives in Kars and Ardahan participated was held within the scope of Ardahan, Kars, Artvin Development project which is a rural development project being implemented by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock with the support of UNDP.
Role of cooperatives in local development
Animal husbandry is the main source of income for the rural households in Kars and Ardahan which further increases the role of milk and livestock cooperatives in local development.
The exchange visit was the first step of the cooperative support strategy within the scope of Ardahan, Kars, Artvin Development project.
During cooperative visits in Aksaray, the breeders have focused mainly on cooperative services for productivity increase, milk collection, milk sales and book-keeping.
Sütaş had also supported the programme by providing one-day dairy farm training at its farmer training center in Aksaray.
Tire, a success story
In the last stop of the trip, a visit paid to Tire Agricultural Development Cooperative.
The participants had the chance to explore the success story of Tire Cooperative, which grew into a big organization with several intermediary services for its members and also created a strong brand with wide range of dairy products in both regional and national markets.
Increasing the motivation and establishing a dialogue between regions
Ümit Mansız, Regional Administrator of the project who guided the cooperatives during the exchange visit stated that in addition to experience and knowledge sharing, the visits have widened the vision and increased the motivation of cooperative managers and members.
The activity also set a good example of establishing dialogue between different regions of Turkey to spread the good practices.
As the follow-up, the cooperatives will be guided to engage in strategic planning and needs assessment processes.
Proper investment tools will be designed to support the cooperatives in meeting their needs to achieve their targets.
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The project, launched by Gökova Sailing Club and Mediterranean Conservation Society with the support of the Strengthening the System of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas of Turkey Project and GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), aims the removal of the ghost nets from the marine environment to reduce the pressure on the ecosystem.
Ghost nets lead great damage in terms of marine species and the ecosystem.
Spotted nets are being removed
The ghost nets, which were spotted in the previous field studies, are begun to be brought surface by a team of seven divers since June.
Ten dives were made in the first phase of the works, which are being implemented in Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area (SEPA).
500 meters of nets surfaced
Approximately 500 meters of nets and fish lines were surfaced from the depths varying between 20-40 meters the nets and the fish lines are kept to be exhibited at the end of the project.
The efforts will continue in the coming months.
Dusky grouper freed from the “ghost”
The ghost nets, which are left at the bottom of the sea and continue to hunt, are threatening the natural life where they are located.
The video of rescue of a dusky grouper, which was caught by a ghost net, during the cleaning process, reveals the high danger of the nets.
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The survey was conducted by the Mediterranean Conservation Society (AKD) in Köyceğiz-Dalyan, Gökova and Foça Special Environmental Protection Areas (SEPA) within the context of the Strengthening the System of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas of Turkey Project.
Field studies completed
311 surveys were conducted in the field studies to measure the awareness and perception of the local residents, fishers and tourism professionals living in Köyceğiz-Dalyan, Gökova and Foça SEPAs on Protected Areas and MCPAs.
Results will be reported
The results of the study will be evaluated by the experts and be issued as a report. The report will be revealed to public after it is completed.
Ban Ki-moon noted in his message for World Population Day that health problems which are encountered during pregnancy may lead to many maternal complications and health problems, including obstetric fistula.
These health problems are among the leading factors which result in the death of adolescents.
Furthermore, Ban pointed out that the education of girls is vital in preventing the adolescent pregnancy as “when a young girl is educated, she is more likely to marry later, delay childbearing until she is ready, have healthier children and earn a higher income.”
The garbage in the containers at the bays, where average of 450 sea vehicles are visiting on a daily basis, are being collected by DenizTemiz Association TURMEPA and delivered to Göcek Municipality’s garbage dump.
Ministry coordinated, TURMEPA placed
The placement of the containers was coordinated by the Natural Assets Branch of Muğla Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanization and implemented by TURMEPA.
Fifteen containers were placed to the locations determined by the directorate according to the need and utilization intensity.
The containers were placed to eight strategic spots along the bays, where average of 400-450 sea vehicles are visiting daily.
Underwater Research Society (SAD) implements the “Responsible Fishing Project” with the support of the Strengthening the System of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas of Turkey Project and GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) – COMDEKS.
Founded 25 years ago
The extraordinary change created by the marine protected area founded 25 years ago in Costa Brava attracts the underwater lovers to the region.
Visiting the one of the oldest protected areas in the Mediterranean, N. Ozan Veryeri mentioned that the area is being monitored by the scientists periodically.
“A natural heaven”
Underlining that they are conducting studies in Aegean and the Mediterranean, Veryeri said “We are trying to explain the importance of Marine Protected Areas in our country via projects. The protected area in Spain made us travel to the past.”
Veryeri indicated that Costa Brava is a natural heaven and the real face of the Mediterranean and there is no reason for not making the same thing in Turkey, determination is enough.
The preparation stage of the tenth five-year Development Plan which determines the road map of the Turkey’s development policies until 2018 had taken two years.
The plan expects to have a 5.5 percent increase in the real gross national product and a 7.2 percent decrease in the unemployment rate.
A 70 percent increase in the attendance to the pre-school education is also targeted within the scope of increasing equality of opportunity in education and improving the quality of services in this area.
Turkish Development Minister Cevdet Yılmaz talked about the Plan and stated that “Freedom is the main component of the development. One would not have development and improved technology unless freedom existed. In this development plan, we strongly stress on the basic human rights and freedoms.”
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Boyner Holding with “Being a Brand Company for Women Employees” project won the UNDP Special Award which is given to the best sustainable development project.
The Golden Compass Grand Prize was awarded to Anadolu Insurance Company with “One Expert Thousand Experts” project and Yıldız Holding with “Metro Energy Test 2” project.
Simona Marinescu, the Director of the UNDP International Center for Private Sector in Development, parliament members, governers and mayors, jury members, representatives of the public and private sector, professionals on pubic relations, media members, academicians, and young communication experts were attended to the ceremony.
The head of the executive committee, Fügen Töksü said that managers should prioritize public relations as a management policy, and if they benefit from the communication perspective on their management policies and decisions, this will provide them to build the future of their institutions.
There were 145 projects applied to the awards under 16 categories and 12 sub-categories in 12th Golden Compass Public Relations Awards 2013, and as a result 27 projects were awarded.
The winners of the 12th Golden Compass Awards with their institutions, projects and public relations agents:
UNDP Special Award
Being a Brand Company for Women Employees – Boyner Holding
Grand Award
Metro Energy Test 2 – Yıldız Holding
Grand Award
One Master, Thousand Masters – Anadolu Insurance Company, Arpr Communication Consultancy / Lobby Pr
Jury Special Award
Let us make education possible for disabled people, Let’s add value to the society - Bursagaz Association of Education Volunteersi ETİ children theatre, ETİ, Medyaevi Communication
Jeton Radio, (Motto: Radio which brings its listeners to the play) – SHR IGroup of nteractive Companies / Joygame, Aristo Communication Consultancy
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Project will contribute to the increase in awareness on energy efficiency among citizens and institutions in the cities of Gaziantep, Kayseri, Samsun, Denizli, Konya and Adana.
The project, which kicked off on June, intends to inform everyone who is interested in along with governorates, local officials, industrialists, local energy suppliers, representatives of chambers of engineers, chambers of commerce and industry, organized industrial zones and universities.
The project aims to increase awareness on the issue of energy efficiency, in relation to the Energy Efficiency Law that came into force in 2007 in Turkey.
In the scope of the project, the written materials will be prepared, and daily workshops in every city will be organized to inform about the legislation.
Moreover, “Energy Efficiency Platform” will be established to provide energy efficiency strategies and action plans in every city.
Within the context of the project, the best practices will be featured and a website will be designed to ensure the sustainability of the project.
Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, General Directorate of Forestry, Forest Administration and Planning Department and UNDP Turkey has started the second phase of the project called "Enhancing Implementation Capacity of General Directorate of Forestry for Sustainable Forest Management in the Context of Water Use of Forests in Turkey" as of June 2013 which is supported by the British Embassy in Ankara.
Experts worked for ensuring the effective management of water resources of forests
At the first phase of the project it was aimed to develop water function for forest management plans to make more effective management of water resources in forest lands.
Hence, leading experts worked together with project team to achieve this aim.
Sylvicultural activities designated for water function were identified and what should be done for an effective management of water resources in forest lands was determined.
Furthermore a glossary of technical terms on Ecosystem-Based Hydrologic and Soil Conservation was prepared.
With the participation of 182 people in total, four technical workshops and meetings in Ankara and Kastamonu were organized and two international technical study consist of 26 technical staff to Macedonia and Austria were organized for the implementation of the first phase.
As a result of the first phase various studies were conducted for the integration of principles and practices of sustainable forest - water management into the strategies of General Directorate of Forestry and relevant policies and a technical report was produced.
Additionally, the project also aimed to enhance the capacity of forest for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
For that reason, experts determined the effects of afforestation programmes in open lands and degraded stands in terms of biodiversity, water and erosion.
Impact of forests on water resources was assessed, the positive and negative impacts of utilization and usage of water resources in forestlands by locals and relevant organizations was examined.
Participatory approach was secured with various organizations and contributions of those organizations especially of State Hydraulic Works and General Directorate of Water Management was mainstreamed at local, regional and central level.
Second phase will end on May 2014
The second phase of the project which is finalized in May 2014 will be an implementation phase and the results of the first phase will be tested.
Communication and collaboration which was developed in the first phase with State Hydraulic Works and General Directorate of Water Management will be enhanced and technical results will be tested through implementation in a pilot site in Kastamonu during the second phase.
Furthermore, technical study visits and trainings will be conducted in order to improve the technical capacity on forest - water interaction.
At the end of the project the experience and knowledge on forest - water interaction will be shared trough the international networks and will increase Turkey's efficiency in regional forestry platforms.
The representatives of project partners attended the launch meeting of the “Life Without Barriers” and gave a detailed information on the project.
The General Director of the Peugeot Turkey, Marc Bergeretti, “It is our duty to ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy the same life spaces as other people do.”
Marc Bergeretti emphasized that they started off with a strong strategy and a firm stance and they will ensure the sustainability of the project which will be an examplary one with its numerous activities.
Kenan Önalan, Ministry Advisor of Generel Directorate of Disabled and Elderly People from the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, said that “the persons with disabilities has been excluded from social life for many years due to the wrong perceptions. There was a huge change in percepton of persons with diabilities in Turkey during the last 10 years.”
Hansın Doğan, Deputy Director of UNDP International Centre for Private Sector in Development, pointed out that UN resolution on rights of persons with disabilities was accepted without being voted on 13 December 2006. After 53 countries including Turkey signed the agreement, it came into force on 3 May 2008.
Ercan Tutal, the founder and head of the AYDER, said that “we, as Alternative Life Association, have implemented many innovative and sustainable projects for full and equal integration of the disabled people to the society. We do not have any doubt on the fact that we will pioneer many firsts with the partnership with Peugeot and UNDP.”
“Life Without Barriers with Peugeot” project will continue with different activities targeting the sustainable development and removing the barriers.
Argande is a fashion brand name, created in the scope of “Innovations for Empowerment in the GAP Region” project.
Argande, which is created by leading Turkish designers under Hatice Gökçe’s coordination and manufactured by Southeastern women, aim at supporting women's sustainable employment in the region while promoting Southeast Anatolia's rich cultural heritage.
Argande products, which are also sold by Mudo since 2009, have also been put on online sale on Markafoni since a protocol signed in 2011.
Markafoni, setting its corporate social strategy as “Women Fashion Initiative”, gives full support to the project along with the sale campaigns, by distributing the special hand-made products, supporting publicity campaigns and organizational support.
Mudo, on the other hand, has also started to give online marketing support to the brand since June by displaying the products on its website.
The Academy aims to provide PhD students and young scholars a platform to present and discuss their research projects on Inclusive Business Models with peers and senior faculty.
It also aims to advance academic research on the topic of the year, build networks across disciplinary boundaries and to prepare the ground for research that is relevant for both academic and business audiences.
This year’s focus, “Organizing and Governing Inclusive Business”, aims to attract papers fostering new ideas and solutions on organizational and governance structures that promote private sector activities that include the poor in multiple ways and create opportunities for sustainable development.
Of particular interest are hybrid business models or structures at the intersection of businesses, governments and other stakeholders that create inclusive markets across sectors.
The Academy calls for a multitude of methods, combination of disciplines in organizational and management studies and new research designs that appropriately capture the realities in informal and subsistence markets in developing countries.
Research topics in the call for papers include:
To see all vacancies, click here.
Editor: Faik Uyanık
Assistant: Nazife Ece
Intern: Deniz Solmaz
Contributors to this issue: Arif Mert Öztürk, Deniz Tapan, Gökmen Argun, Gönül Sulargil
© 2013 UNDP Turkey
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