Issue: 73
We are celebrating the 804th anniversary of the great poet, philosopher and spiritual leader Mawlana Jalal-ud-Din Rumi.
Mawlana’s teachings continue to remain universally authentic irrespective of the time and space to guide and help humanity in healing the contemporary wounds of our turbulent world.
Tolerance, co-existence, love, dialogue and knowledge based response still serve as panacea for resolving the multitudes of ills and afflictions within and among the community of nations.
His doctrine advocates positive reasoning, goodness, charity and awareness through love.
To him all religions were more or less truth; his peaceful and tolerant teachings inspired followers of all creeds and religions including Jews and Christians to the extent that in 1958, Pope John XXIII wrote a special message saying: “In the name of the Catholic World, I bow with respect before the memory of Rumi.”
There are moments in history when mankind, as a matter of urgency, needs a viable perspective and a paradigm to deal with the impending threats to its very survival.
I believe we are passing through one of those periods.
‘Say something new’
The humanity’s quest for sustainable development and inter-generational equity needs to be illuminated to identify and define ways and means to ensure and secure its future.
It is time for us to “say something new” as he urged, for us to achieve dialogue, tolerance, dignity and peace.
Eight centuries ago Mawlana said:
“Ours is not a house of despair.
Come, even if you have broken,
Your vow a hundred times,
Come, yet again, come, come”
Is it not a tragic saga, there is still so much of repression and reprisal, turbulence and torture and despair and dejection in our world, still so much of impunity, still so many of people on the planet earth fighting for their survival, for coarse necessities of life for their inalienable rights so cruelly denied to them.
Eight hundred years ago, Mawlana forewarned in his teachings and impressed upon the need to disengage from building such a world order; his influence on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is indeed vividly discernable.
As he emphasized, human rights are not the domain of a select few in terms of race and space; the universal application of the human rights is sine qua non for a just world.
Rumi and human development
He reminds us that tolerance and peaceful coexistence could be achieved through active understanding, dialogue and positive engagement and by combating discrimination and exclusiveness that causes so much divisiveness, destruction and death.
The world needs to focus beyond the narrowness of growth and markets and pay more heed to equity and equality, empowerment and engagement, inclusiveness and integration of especially the poor and the marginalized in the civil, political, economic and social spheres.
In our globalized world, respect for human rights and diversity should be more important than ever. The old world, its institutions and structures, have to irreversibly change and the contours of a new one have to take shape in conformity with the values, ideals and principles spelled out by great philosophers and thinkers like Mawlana if we have to embark on sustainable human development characterized by equity and enlightenment and peace and prosperity.
I have to emphasize that at its 66th anniversary, the United Nations is still the leading global organization that has and can bring the knowledge and expertise we have generated throughout history in the east and west, south and north.
And the UN is still the only international forum where we can address global problems.
No one nation or group of nations, regardless of how powerful they are can solve global problems we face today.
Global problems require global solutions.
In fact Mawlana showed the path to us centuries ago.
“If you are on your own you are only a drop of water; if you join the rest you will become an ocean”, he said.
This should be our mandate. We cannot wait for another 8 centuries. This is the Mawlana imperative.
* Shahid Najam, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkey and UN Resident Coordinator in Turkey
UNDP İstanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD) was inaugurated in March 2011 by the representatives of the Turkish government and UNDP.
The contribution agreement was signed by UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Turkey, Shahid Najam, and by Ambassador Mithat Rende from the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
While responding to the speech of Ambassador Rende, the Resident Representative thanked the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for following up and ensuring the completion of all formalities culminating in the signature of the agreement.
He also expressed his appreciation for the active role of the Permanent Representative of Turkey to UN, Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan, who worked to expand areas of cooperation between UNDP and Turkey.
Shahid Najam, in his speech, also mentioned the proactive role of Turkey in the region and beyond and its commitment for enhanced engagement with the UN system.
The Representative stated that the partnership framework agreement and İstanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD) agreements concluded between the Administrator of UNDP and the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, in March 2011 provided mechanisms for the two sides to work together.
Shahid Najam stated that these mechanisms will help especially in the areas of assistance to the least developed countries, Rio+20, South-South cooperation, assistance to Somalia, Afghanistan and other countries of interest to Turkey for which UNDP could develop a comprehensive strategy using its network, global expertise and the comparative advantage.
With a final score of 5-4, UNDP won the 2011 Match Against Poverty against HSV in Hamburg, Germany, on 13 December, 2011 before more than 24,000 spectators. The match was broadcast live in more than 25 countries.
UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Zinédine Zidane mobilized superstars past and present to take on the Hamburger Sport-Verein at the Imtech Arena.
“It is amazing and encouraging to see so much solidarity and support for Africa from sports fans around the world,” said Ronaldo, who scored a goal in the second period. The UNDP team also included stars Christian Karembeu, Fabio Cannavaro, Rabah Madjer and Dida.
“The Match Against Poverty is much more than a game: it is part of the global fight against poverty,” said Zidane, current Director of Sport of the Real Madrid football club.
All of the match proceeds will be used to bolster humanitarian and recovery activities in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. The UN is working in these countries to provide emergency food aid, water, shelter and health services, while working on longer term development plans.
Proceeds from the previous eight Matches Against Poverty have benefited projects in more than 27 developing countries, including recent recovery efforts in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and Pakistan floods.
Previous matches
2010: Athens, Greece - Match against Poverty raises $ 540,000 for recovery efforts in Haiti and Pakistan
2010: Lisbon, Portugal - Match Against Poverty raises $ 760 000 for Haiti
2008: Fes, Morocco - $ 180,000 collected to finance projects in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America
2008: Malaga, Spain - Fifth Match against Poverty brings together 30 000 fans
2007: Marseille, France - Zidane and friends prevail in 2007 Match Against Poverty
2005: Dusseldorf, Germany - $ 450,000 are raised for projects in Ethiopia, Maldives, Burkina Faso, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cuba
2004: Madrid, Spain - $ 200,000 for projects in Haiti
2003: Basel, Switzerland - The first match against poverty rose approx. $ 1 million
The Prize was presented in Monaco in October at the 5th Peace and Sport International Forum in front of an audience of more than 500 prominent figures from politics, sport, the private sector, and civil society.
The Jury awarded its Special Prize to the project “for having made peace and social cohesion a reality in 2011.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed pleasure that the UN has received the prize.
The educational comic book features 10 football stars who act as UN Goodwill Ambassadors (namely Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Baggio, Michael Ballack, Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba, Luis Figo, Raúl, Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira, and Zinédine Zidane) who become shipwrecked on an island with a group of ordinary people.
The group is finally rescued thanks to their teamwork, their resourcefulness and their faculty to address key challenges such as discrimination, environmental degradation and sickness.
The book is primarily aimed at 8-14 year old children and provides a fun interactive way to help them understand, familiarize and reflect about the MDGs as well as inviting them to take action through several activities provided in the adjoining educational guide.
From the outset, the project has been carried out in the ‘One-UN’ spirit and is the result of successful inter-agency collaboration led by the UN Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP), in collaboration with the UNDP, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), and the Stop TB Partnership.
The book was officially launched on 24 January 2011 at the UN in Geneva by Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas and the Wilfried Lemke, UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace.
Currently the comic book is available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, German and Korean and can be downloaded in electronic format at www.un.org/sport. A Windows™ Phone 7 application is already available.
To access the comic book:
http://www.beta.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/mdg/score_the_goals_comicbook.html
The Concert Series by Vodafone Freezone having been initiated on November 2011 continued with the live performance of Şebnem Ferah and Hayko Cepkin on December 3rd Saturday, in Bostancı Performance Hall.
In the performance, Social Inclusion Band appeared on stage an opening act.
Social Inclusion Band aiming to encourage the disadvantaged youth in terms of future and self-confidence, sang the songs from its brand new repertoire.
This band also fulfilled live performances in 2011 in such essential events as Rock’n Coke, Efes One Love, İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and Akbank Jazz Festival
About Dreams Academy
Dreams Academy is a project aiming to support the employment and social participation processes of the handicapped and socially-deteriorated youth via the cooperation of Alternative Life Institution (AYDER), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Turkish Ministry of Development, functionalized through the project grant by Vodafone Institution Turkey.
The classes by Dreams Academy are held in places allocated by municipalities (e.g. Atasehir and Kadiköy).
As an international social responsibility project including cultural and artistic classes free of charge by volunteer and experienced lecturers for the handicapped and socially-deteriorated youth, Dreams Academy consists of rhythm, dancing, drama (acting), film, photography, DJ, instrument, painting and design workshops.
[BAGLANTILAR]
The handicapped and socially-disadvantaged students of Dreams Academy joined the event with the companionship of the volunteer instructors.
Contributed by the students of rhythm and dance workshops with a performance by each, the event continued with the appearance of Social Inclusion Band, fundamentally aiming to enable social communion, encourage the youth in terms of self-confidence and a bright future, on stage.
Within the event also hosted in live performance were Jam Session, Dreams Company with the performance of quoted scenes in Grease musical, Dreams Rap Band, DJ Gürdal Yağcı and DJ Motto.
Empowering and encouraging the handicapped and socially-deteriorated youth via music, Social Inclusion Band is a member of Dreams Academy Family.
A performance for Dreams Academy
Prior to the event, the band "Someone Else's Ice Creams" presented a live performance on 15th December 2011, Thursday, in İstanbul, Taksim, Küba Bar.
About Dreams Academy
Dreams Academy is a project aiming to support the employment and social participation processes of the handicapped and socially-deteriorated youth via the cooperation of Alternative Life Institution (AYDER), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Turkish Ministry of Development, functionalized through the project grant by Vodafone Institution Turkey.
The classes by Dreams Academy are held in places allocated by municipalities (e.g. Ataşehir and Kadiköy).
As an international social responsibility project including cultural and artistic classes free of charge by volunteer and experienced lecturers for the handicapped and socially-deteriorated youth, Dreams Academy consists of rhythm, dancing, drama (acting), film, photography, DJ, instrument, painting and design workshops.
Through this project, UNDP has been providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Industry and Trade along with the key stakeholders of local economy.
As a joint effort of the UNDP and Karacadağ Development Agency, the portal will be functioning as an investment promotion tool for Şanlıurfa.
The new portal has specific modules on opportunities for investment, local business environment and local economic development initiatives which are currently implemented in the region.
On the document centre of the portal, the strategic outputs of the project and the reports on priority sectors, incentive schemes and development plans are available.
The portal is an important source for those who are interested in Şanlıurfa and the region.
[BAGLANTILAR]
The 11th Golden Compass Award on Public Relations by Turkish Institution of Public Relations (TÜHİD) will be presented this year.
Within the frame of 11th Golden Compass Award, the fileds of communication and public relations will be awarded.
In all branches, both the institutions as project owners, and their public relations agencies will receive the award.
In addition to branch award, Great Award and Special Jury Award, a new type of award will be granted.
With the cooperative agreement between Turkish Institution of Public Relations (TÜHİD) and The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNDP Special Award has been decided to be granted to the project with the best perspective on social and environmental impacts.
The deadline of the application to the 11th Golden Compass Award is January 20th, 2012, and the project submission deadline March 2nd, 2012.
Various artists, scientists, NGO representatives, local officers of General Directorate of Nature conservation and National Parks, and General Directorate of Forestry got role in each episode. These episodes have been regularly aired on İZ TV.
Mr. Vedat Atasoy, who is the director of “9 Hotspots Documentary Series”, answered Yıldıray Lise’s questions for New Horizons.
UNDP Turkey: Could you please tell us İZ TV in short?
Vedat Atasoy: As the founder group, I, Vedat Atasoy, Murat Toy, Ahmet Sargın and Coşkun Aral, we got together under Şarküteri Productions and established first documentary channel in Turkey. We have been working under our “everything leaves a trace behind” slogan since 6 February 2006. With our 60 core staff and support of more than 100 freelance documentary producers, we firstly became Turkey’s and than Europe’s best documentary channel. In 2007 we were rewarded as “Europe’s Best Documentary Channel” in Hotbird TV awards. İZ TV, operating on Turkey's leading digital platform DIGITURK using Channels 18 and 182 for the SD format films and Channel 318 for HD documentaries, is the most preferred documentary channel in Turkey.
UNDP Turkey: As you know, 2011 was the “International Year of Forests”. During this year, in collaboration with many organizations you prepared “9 Hotspots” documentary series. How did the story begin?
Vedat Atasoy: As well as Turkey and her surroundings’ geography, cultural and historical values, natural values are main issues for us. Since the beginning, we have realized various projects on nature. Last year, one of them was “Küre: Respect to Nature” documentary prepared in Küre Mountains National Park. At the preparation phase of this documentary, İZ TV producer Dilek Mayatürk and Yıldıray Lise from UNDP Turkey formed the basis of this project. Afterwards, with detailed work, this project has been realized.
UNDP Turkey: In this process, with which organizations and whom you collaborated?
Vedat Atasoy: First of all, we got in contact with WWF Turkey, which is the name holder organization of “9 forest hotspots”. Then with UNDP, via Yıldıray Lise, who have always been with us in this project. After that we discussed this idea with Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and signed a protocol with General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, General Directorate of Forestry, Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas. So we have started our unique project. COLUMBIA has been the sponsor of the series. Main thanks are for the experienced actors and actresses (in episode order): Erkan Can, Pelin Batu, Olgun Şimşek, Uğur Polat, Hakan Gerçek, Şevval Sam, Güven Kıraç, Mehmet Aslantuğ and Serhat Tutumluer. As the volunteers of this project, they worked in difficult field conditions. Their kindness and volunteer support in nature conservation work are the main drivers of our success. I would also thank to our visual architects, our cameramen Oğuz Özdemir, Ethem Tosun, Aydın Kapancık and Serdar Sönmez. Last but main applause is for Dilek Mayatürk, who is the main person behind this project.
UNDP Turkey: In 9 months, you worked with 9 different actors/actresses in 9 different sites. I think you have got remarkable memories. Could you please tell us a few?
Vedat Atasoy: With colorful people, we traveled to colorful and gorgeous areas, but though in deed. Of course we got many remarkable memories. Especially Karçal Mountains, with 2 meters snow depth where we were snow bounded for 3-4 days was a real adventure. Erkan Can’s positive attitudes turned this into a joyful travel. Despite his fear, Uğur Polat’s paragliding from 2000 meters in Baba Mountain was a surprise for us. When we got lost with Şevval Sam in dense fog, seeing shepherd Ahmet was a remarkable moment for all us. It is difficult to forget long walks of Hakan Gerçek and our staff accompanied by our project consultant Yıldıray Lise, when one hour path always ended in 2-3 hours. I am unable to forget the delicious flavor of food in Hatay that we ate with Güven Kıraç. I still ear the traditional songs of Olgun Şimşek, when he sang in the destructed building, that we ran away from snow and made a fire to warm. One of my favorite photographs is Serhat Tutumluer’s peaceful sleeping moment in nature by the fire. Shortly, we had real fun in each forest hotspot. We have never got bored.
New Horizons: Series’ episodes have been regularly aired on İZ TV. Till now, how many times have they been aired?
Vedat Atasoy: In 2011, since the first episode aired on İZ TV in March, 9 episodes of the documentary series have been aired 345 times and reached to more than 4 million people.
UNDP Turkey: What is the importance of the series?
Vedat Atasoy: Since the beginning, İZ TV have realized many projects on nature conservation awareness raising. “9 hotspots” is one of these projects. Actually, main difference of this project is to show us that number of people caring on nature is not less. Since experienced actors/actresses took role in this project, this affected many other stakeholders and people, and supported awareness raising in these topics.
UNDP Turkey:Do you have any projects on forests and nature conservation in 2012?
Vedat Atasoy: Of course. These topics have been main issues for İZ TV since the beginning. Personally, nature and archeology are my main interest areas. However, there is a need to act more professionally in that kind of projects. Finally, main duty is for the sponsors and governmental organizations that shall increase financial support.
For information on GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”: http://www.kdmp.gov.tr/default-en.asp
For more details on İZ TV “9 Hotspots Documentary Series”: http://www.iztv.com.tr/kusak.aspx?id=75
[BAGLANTILAR]
To improve this, international organizations produce reference documents, organize international workshops and develop national strategies.
With her current actions, Turkey is one of the leading countries in this topic.
Natural Solutions” book, the main reference on protected area roles on combating climate change, has been published in Turkish.
Beforehand, national strategy protected area and climate change in Turkey was prepared.
“Protected Areas and Climate Chance” workshop, first national workshop in the world, was organized in Ankara with the support of different organizations under the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”.
After this workshop, “Protected Areas and Climate Change National Strategy for Turkey" was prepared with the contribution of workshop Participants.
This strategy which is one of the first in the world has been approved by governmental organizations and published by Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
One of the first actions of this strategy was taken by GEF project partners. “Natural Solutions” book translated into the Turkish and published by GEF project partner WWF – Turkey.
This book is about protected areas role on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions and originally prepared by the partnership of IUCN-WCPA, TNC, UNDP, WCS, World Bank and WWF.
Turkish version is published within the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” which is implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey, in collaboration with WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet Programme, financial supports of GEF Small Grant Programme (SGP) Turkey and MAVA Foundation, and in kind contribution of Görsel Sanatlar Publishing House.
Küre Mountains National Park’s introductory films are now available on the park’s Youtube and Vimeo channels.
These films were produced by director Cengiz Tapan in Küre Mountains National Park and its buffer zone within GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” on 11 – 13 November 2011.
Films introduce Küre Mountains National Park and its buffer zone, Ilıca Waterfall and Çatak Canyon.
Nature conservation and ecotourism experiences which are exemplary for Turkey, works of local non-governmental organizations and wooden handicrafts experience topics are also shown in these films.
You can watch these films in Küre Mountains National Park’s Youtube and Vimeo channels.
To improve this, international organizations produce reference documents, organize international workshops and develop national strategies.
With her current actions, Turkey is one of the leading countries in this topic.
Natural Solutions” book, the main reference on protected area roles on combating climate change, has been published in Turkish.
Beforehand, national strategy protected area and climate change in Turkey was prepared.
“Protected Areas and Climate Chance” workshop, first national workshop in the world, was organized in Ankara with the support of different organizations under the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”.
After this workshop, “Protected Areas and Climate Change National Strategy for Turkey" was prepared with the contribution of workshop Participants.
This strategy which is one of the first in the world has been approved by governmental organizations and published by Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
One of the first actions of this strategy was taken by GEF project partners. “Natural Solutions” book translated into the Turkish and published by GEF project partner WWF – Turkey.
This book is about protected areas role on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions and originally prepared by the partnership of IUCN-WCPA, TNC, UNDP, WCS, World Bank and WWF.
Turkish version is published within the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” which is implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey, in collaboration with WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet Programme, financial supports of GEF Small Grant Programme (SGP) Turkey and MAVA Foundation, and in kind contribution of Görsel Sanatlar Publishing House.
To improve this, international organizations produce reference documents, organize international workshops and develop national strategies.
With her current actions, Turkey is one of the leading countries in this topic.
Natural Solutions” book, the main reference on protected area roles on combating climate change, has been published in Turkish.
Beforehand, national strategy protected area and climate change in Turkey was prepared.
“Protected Areas and Climate Chance” workshop, first national workshop in the world, was organized in Ankara with the support of different organizations under the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”.
After this workshop, “Protected Areas and Climate Change National Strategy for Turkey" was prepared with the contribution of workshop Participants.
This strategy which is one of the first in the world has been approved by governmental organizations and published by Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
One of the first actions of this strategy was taken by GEF project partners. “Natural Solutions” book translated into the Turkish and published by GEF project partner WWF – Turkey.
This book is about protected areas role on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions and originally prepared by the partnership of IUCN-WCPA, TNC, UNDP, WCS, World Bank and WWF.
Turkish version is published within the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” which is implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey, in collaboration with WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet Programme, financial supports of GEF Small Grant Programme (SGP) Turkey and MAVA Foundation, and in kind contribution of Görsel Sanatlar Publishing House.
To improve this, international organizations produce reference documents, organize international workshops and develop national strategies.
With her current actions, Turkey is one of the leading countries in this topic.
Natural Solutions” book, the main reference on protected area roles on combating climate change, has been published in Turkish.
Beforehand, national strategy protected area and climate change in Turkey was prepared.
“Protected Areas and Climate Chance” workshop, first national workshop in the world, was organized in Ankara with the support of different organizations under the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”.
After this workshop, “Protected Areas and Climate Change National Strategy for Turkey" was prepared with the contribution of workshop Participants.
This strategy which is one of the first in the world has been approved by governmental organizations and published by Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
One of the first actions of this strategy was taken by GEF project partners. “Natural Solutions” book translated into the Turkish and published by GEF project partner WWF – Turkey.
This book is about protected areas role on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions and originally prepared by the partnership of IUCN-WCPA, TNC, UNDP, WCS, World Bank and WWF.
Turkish version is published within the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” which is implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey, in collaboration with WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet Programme, financial supports of GEF Small Grant Programme (SGP) Turkey and MAVA Foundation, and in kind contribution of Görsel Sanatlar Publishing House.
To improve this, international organizations produce reference documents, organize international workshops and develop national strategies.
With her current actions, Turkey is one of the leading countries in this topic.
Natural Solutions” book, the main reference on protected area roles on combating climate change, has been published in Turkish.
Beforehand, national strategy protected area and climate change in Turkey was prepared.
“Protected Areas and Climate Chance” workshop, first national workshop in the world, was organized in Ankara with the support of different organizations under the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”.
After this workshop, “Protected Areas and Climate Change National Strategy for Turkey" was prepared with the contribution of workshop Participants.
This strategy which is one of the first in the world has been approved by governmental organizations and published by Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
One of the first actions of this strategy was taken by GEF project partners. “Natural Solutions” book translated into the Turkish and published by GEF project partner WWF – Turkey.
This book is about protected areas role on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions and originally prepared by the partnership of IUCN-WCPA, TNC, UNDP, WCS, World Bank and WWF.
Turkish version is published within the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” which is implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey, in collaboration with WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet Programme, financial supports of GEF Small Grant Programme (SGP) Turkey and MAVA Foundation, and in kind contribution of Görsel Sanatlar Publishing House.
Under this programme 5 local projects are supported within the “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, General Directorate of Forestry, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
Local projects, implemented by NGOs in Kastamonu and Bartın, started to reach their targets.
One of them is the linen embroidery unit; opened at 2 December 2011 within the “Support for Linen Embroidery Project” which is run by "The Institution of Ulus Dwellers in and around Bartın".
This project, implemented in Hoca Village of Ulus District, aims to enhance linen agriculture sustainability in Western Black Sea region and linen embroidery.
As a result of linen embroidery unit providing linen flax fiber production from raw linen material, linen agriculture will revive and income sources will be diversified in the region.
Another important target is to establish agricultural product stands produced within the “Improving Agricultural Products Marketing Project”.
These stands are used by women from surrounding villages who sell their local agriculture products in local market.
These stands improved conditions of women in the local market and enabled marketing in modern conditions.
In addition to that, important actions were taken for branding of local products and communication of Küre Mountains National Park. These stands were produced within the “Improving Agricultural Products Marketing Project” which is implemented by "The Ulus Province Aşağıçerçi Village Community of Development, Adornment, Public Goods Contribution and Sustenance".
Other remaining projects namely “Protecting Agricultural Production with Electric Fences Project”, “Development of Ecotourism Based Home Pension Network Project” and “Protecting Traditional Culture and Valuing Women’s Labor Project” are under implementation within the “Pilot Application Programme” in Küre Mountains National Park.
“Protecting Traditional Culture and Valuing Women’s Labor Project” aims to generate alternative source of income and protecting traditional dress through women labor, whereas “Protecting Agricultural Production with Electric Fences Project” targets decreasing human wildlife conflict in Küre Mountains National Park’s buffer zone of Bartın region.
These projects will be accomplished by April 2012.
“Development of Ecotourism Based Home Pension Network Project”, aiming to establish KMNP home pensions network for eco-tourism development in Bartın section of KMNP buffer zone, will be accomplished in January 2012.
National park forest management plan, developed by ODOPEM A.Ş., is the first plan implemented under “Forest management planning guidelines for conservation management of forest ecosystem in protected areas” produced by GEF project.
This management plan presents national park’s current forest structure and develops recommendations for national park protection and management.
National park’s carbon budget and oxygen production were also calculated in this management plan.
According to these calculations national park has 48.270.068 tones of carbon sequestration potential and annual oxygen production is 301.522 tones.
To improve this, international organizations produce reference documents, organize international workshops and develop national strategies.
With her current actions, Turkey is one of the leading countries in this topic.
Natural Solutions” book, the main reference on protected area roles on combating climate change, has been published in Turkish.
Beforehand, national strategy protected area and climate change in Turkey was prepared.
“Protected Areas and Climate Chance” workshop, first national workshop in the world, was organized in Ankara with the support of different organizations under the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”.
After this workshop, “Protected Areas and Climate Change National Strategy for Turkey" was prepared with the contribution of workshop Participants.
This strategy which is one of the first in the world has been approved by governmental organizations and published by Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
One of the first actions of this strategy was taken by GEF project partners. “Natural Solutions” book translated into the Turkish and published by GEF project partner WWF – Turkey.
This book is about protected areas role on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions and originally prepared by the partnership of IUCN-WCPA, TNC, UNDP, WCS, World Bank and WWF.
Turkish version is published within the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” which is implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey, in collaboration with WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet Programme, financial supports of GEF Small Grant Programme (SGP) Turkey and MAVA Foundation, and in kind contribution of Görsel Sanatlar Publishing House.
Turkey’s local community granting mechanism which is active since 1993, has approved first five projects of the Fifth Implementation Phase of Global Environment Facility.
Ghost Netting Project (By Blue Cilicia Society from Adana); targeted to contribute to conservation of marine biodiversity and fishery sustainability via collection of lost fishery equipments from a pilot area in Yumurtalık Coasts of İskenderun Bay.
Sample areas are one of the most important fishery areas in Eastern Mediterranean, and visualization of the increased biodiversity and fishery resources.
As FAO suggests that equipment’s have to be collected, it is also legislative arrangements needs to be developed about ghost fishing.
The general purpose of the second project, Saving Detectives (By Contemporary Women and Youth Foundation from Ankara) is reducing CO2 emission and invoice costs at the socio-economically disadvantaged rural area of Ankara, which is Mamak.
Expected concrete outcomes of the project are; reduce at the invoice costs per year per household at 400 household till 1000 TL, awareness rising about energy efficiency at 1200 individuals, and reduction of at least 180 tones CO2 emission.
Also; Steppe is Beautiful Project (By Nature Culture and Life Society from Şanlıurfa), targeting Birecik steppes which are one of the rarest and most important areas where monitor lizard and striped hyena live.
On site conservation which is an integral part of the conservation studies, has been carried out in the framework of “Villagers Conserve” project and the local people living in the district started to conserve monitor lizard and striped hyena.
Purpose of the project is to support the process of gaining protected status.
Integrating biodiversity values into forest management plans is one of the key elements of Multi-Function Forest Management Planning Approach.
With the last SGP project, Biodiversity Oriented Forestry in Torul Forests (By Nature Conservation Center from Ankara), biodiversity values, zones and management activities to be integrated with management plan of Torul Forests of Gümüşhane will be determined.
Activities of the project will be undertaken with the active participation of OGM experts and decision makers; and local and central personnel of the OGM.
To improve this, international organizations produce reference documents, organize international workshops and develop national strategies.
With her current actions, Turkey is one of the leading countries in this topic.
Natural Solutions” book, the main reference on protected area roles on combating climate change, has been published in Turkish.
Beforehand, national strategy protected area and climate change in Turkey was prepared.
“Protected Areas and Climate Chance” workshop, first national workshop in the world, was organized in Ankara with the support of different organizations under the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project”.
After this workshop, “Protected Areas and Climate Change National Strategy for Turkey" was prepared with the contribution of workshop Participants.
This strategy which is one of the first in the world has been approved by governmental organizations and published by Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey.
One of the first actions of this strategy was taken by GEF project partners. “Natural Solutions” book translated into the Turkish and published by GEF project partner WWF – Turkey.
This book is about protected areas role on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions and originally prepared by the partnership of IUCN-WCPA, TNC, UNDP, WCS, World Bank and WWF.
Turkish version is published within the GEF supported “Enhancing Forest Protected Areas Management System in Turkey Project” which is implemented with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry and Water Works, UNDP Turkey and WWF Turkey, in collaboration with WWF Protected Areas for a Living Planet Programme, financial supports of GEF Small Grant Programme (SGP) Turkey and MAVA Foundation, and in kind contribution of Görsel Sanatlar Publishing House.
The workshop was held with high level participation from the relevant units of Ministry of Justice, Union of Bar Associations, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, trade unions, 30 Bar Associations, family and commercial court judges around Turkey together with the leading experts and practitioners in the field of mediation in civil disputes around the globe including Morocco, France, Italy, US, Netherlands, Brazil, China, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Greece.
There was also considerable interest to the event from the academia, civil society, active mediators in Turkey and media.
The workshop was held in an environment where the Draft Act on Mediation in Civil Disputes is being discussed at the Justice Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Therefore, it provided an important opportunity for the heads of Bar Associations and judges from family and commercial courts around Turkey to exchange experiences for the establishment of a well-functioning mediation system in Turkey and share their comments on the Draft Act, which are expected to be benefitted during the discussions at the Commission level.
During the workshop, vitally significant issues regarding the mediation in civil justice system, including but not limited to the process of establishment of the mediation system, institutional structuring of mediation, profile of mediators and mediation trainings were discussed.
In that respect, due to the resistance of some of the Bar Associations in Turkey towards the mediation practice, one of the outbreaking debates during the Workshop was about the profile of mediators in the context of Turkey along with the qualifications required and the quality of the mediation practice.
Experience sharing
At this point, regarding the profile of mediators in Turkey, the discussions were focused in two different dimensions:
i) the ways of providing knowledge and training for both practicing lawyers and law students so that the lawyers can participate in mediation; encouraging the lawyers to participate in the process; ii) training lawyers and law students on both how to mediate and how to be an advocate in mediation.
In addition to the discussions on the profile of mediators, leading participants and practitioners around the world also shared their experiences and knowledge with regards to cooperation of judges and lawyers for the promotion of mediation, practices of mandatory mediation, ensuring mediator quality and confidentiality in mediation practices.
The Workshop also provided an opportunity to discuss about possible areas that the joint project of UNDP and Ministry of Justice can focus as pilot mediation practices.
As a result, there seems to be a general agreement that the family law is one of the leading areas that the pilot mediation practice can address because of the importance of preserving relationships after divorce for the sake of the children.
Another area in which mediation can be widely applied in pilots is agreed to be workplace disputes since the parties will often have a relationship after the disputes are resolved.
The Assessment Report that will be developed as a result of the Workshop will be shared with the participants together with the TGNA Justice Commission, Bar Associations, political parties, civil society organizations and all other relevant parties and provide the ground for the design and implementation of the pilot mediation practices in the scope of the joint project of UNDP and Ministry of Justice.
Around 100 people attended the workshop, which mainly aims to introduce an overview of European appliance energy efficiency (EE) policies as well as transposition into the Turkish legal system, and implementation, to initiate partnership between governmental institutions on energy supply side and demand side, and to develop a model for smooth implementation of these policies in Turkey.
21 presentations under 10 sessions were organized with the participation of representatives from the public and private sector as well as trade associations, academicians and international experts.
There were three main themes of the Workshop: Market Monitoring System, EU Ecodesign and Energy Labeling Directives, Conformity Assessment and Testing Infrastructure
Within the framework of the presentations, the core issues that were shared by the experts were on the status of implementation and the foreseen impact of the ecodesign and labeling directives in Europe, the importance of conformity assessment and testing infrastructure for an effective enforcement of these directives, and the Market Monitoring System to be established within the scope of the project.
On the last day of the workshop, 3 different working groups moderated by the international experts did cover the above-mentioned themes and received positive feedback from the participants.
The workshop report that involve the results of the working groups will also be available on the project website to be activated soon.
The main purpose of the Seminars was to increase the awareness of local textile and clothing enterprises on corporate social responsibility.
Local firms were directly informed by the largest buyers of the world on manufacturing in compliance with international social responsibility principles.
Two consecutive seminars have been organized in Gaziantep and in Kahramanmaraş, on 19th and 20th October 2011.
During the seminars, a panel on ‘’Manufacturing in line with Corporate Social Responsibility Principles in International Textile and Clothing Sector’’ was held with four panelists and a panel chair;
• Sibel Okan, H&M, CSR Manager (Europe, Africa and Middle East)
• Ebru Gökbulut, Head of Social Compliance (Europe, Middle East and N.Africa)
• Muazzez Siahpoush Kolyaei, Li&Fung, Senior Manager – Vendor Compliance
• Fatma Ak, LC Waikiki, Internal Sourcing Manager
Chair: Ms.Nilgün Özdemir, IHKIB Board Member
The Seminars mostly reached the purpose of the initiative and created below impacts:
• The final beneficiaries were brought together with the representatives of the local/ international firms that make purchases from the region. They were informed on the benefits of a manufacturing structure that complies with international social responsibility principles.
• The Seminars provided an interactive medium between local firms and buyers through organisation of roundtable meetings to leverage business opportunities.
• The Booklet ‘’Impact of Social Responsibility on Profitibility’’ was distributed to all participants as a comprehendible source of reference.
Last issue of the ITKIB’s periodical ‘’Hedef’’, provided extensive information on the Seminars.
The conference originally planned to be held between the dates of 28 November – 9 December, ended on 11 December due to the prolonging negotiations.
It happened to be one of the longest meetings of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties history.
Within the scope of protocol which includes Turkey as a party, the draft report of Turkey’s Second National Communication on Climate Change which has been prepared by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the GEF implementing agency for the Project and The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MoEU), as the leading executing agency was presented in a side event carried out on 7 December 2011.
In the TUSIAD’s side event started by the opening speech of Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Development, the topics of “Turkish Private Sector Perspective and Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation”, “Climate Change and Trade Policy”, “Financing Climate Change Mitigation in Turkey” were discussed.
The draft report of Turkey’s Second National Communication on Climate Change was presented by experts from The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization; Evren Türkmenoğlu and Kadir Demirbolat.
Moreover, information on the Developing Turkey’s National Climate Change Action Plan Project, and United Nations Joint Programme Enhancing the Capacity of Turkey to Adapt to Climate Change was released.
The conclusion drew with EU mediation from the summit is agreeing on a course of action until 2015 to found a new
climate change agreement which will include all parties.
The obligations of the new agreement which will be signed by 2015 will be effective in 2020. 18th Conference of Parties negotiation meetings will be held in Qatar next year will focus on content of this new agreement.
In this episode, we will talk about a series of projects ongoing in Kars for several years now, which have started to yield results: UNDP Alliances for Culture Tourism in Eastern Anatolia.
UNDP Turkey: Hello, this is the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. In this episode, we will talk about a series of projects ongoing in Kars for several years now, which have started to yield results: UNDP Alliances for Culture Tourism in Eastern Anatolia. Today, we have two contributors: MDG Achievement Fund UN Joint Programme Coordinator, Ms. Neşe Çakır, and UNESCO Venice Office National Professional Officer, Ms. Serra Aytun. Hello and welcome.
Neşe Çakır (N.Ç.): Hello.
UNDP Turkey: It has been a year since the last time we had our interview, which, in fact, was one of our first episodes. I had asked why Kars province was associated with tourism, although it isn’t one of the first provinces that pop into our mind when it comes to tourism, and why you decided to start the project there. In terms of culture and winter tourism, Kars has come a long way. In addition, there are many projects that you coordinate besides this one. Let’s talk about them, shall we? Ms. Çakır, the project and programme are nearing the end. What sort of activities and events have taken place in Kars in the last year?
N.Ç.: In 2009 we set out to develop tourism in Kars. Why Kars, or why Eastern Anatolia, you might ask. Well, Kars has great potential thanks to its cultural heritage and tourism assets. To provide a general outline of these last 3 years, we have put into place training and capacity building activities, income and employment generating activities, advertisement, intangible cultural heritage oriented works, strategy and planning schemes as well as activities regarding protection of cultural sites from children’s point of view and developing tourism.
UNDP Turkey: It seems you started from scratch. No area lacks your involvement. I suppose we are talking about a series of projects simultaneously carried out, ranging from advertisement to protection of cultural heritage, income generating activities, employment and social adaptation?
N.Ç.: Yes, in fact we initiated a capacity building programme and perhaps moved way beyond our target. We have also received some tangible outputs. We started this programme by training administrators and those working in the tourism sector. We traveled to other countries to share our experience of Kars and to observe other good examples put into practice. For instance, we visited Spain. The important thing here was to promote the culture of working together between different actors and different parties. In the scope of capacity building oriented tourism sector trainings, we provided on-the-job trainings, as well as front desk, service, culinary and guesthouse operating trainings. We also gave a series of basic English lessons. All these were made to develop the capacity of the service sector.
UNDP Turkey: So you have organized capacity building activities from scratch in many areas and districts of Kars to create a tourism sector in the area. And many of these activities still continue. You are nearing the end of the Programme but this doesn’t mean that everything is over. That process is still ongoing. Now, I would like to ask you, Ms. Aytun. You represent UNESCO in this project. There is also United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Also World Tourism Organization (WTO) takes part in the whole project. Let’s talk about your responsibilities as UNESCO. When you look at the progress of the Programme, where were we standing last year and how far have we come this year?
S.A.: UNESCO deals more with cultural activities under this programme. But of course, we are trying to share the outputs of some of our activities with other specialized areas of the UN and turn it into something we can both benefit from. I remember that last year in your show, we talked about a cultural center being assigned to minstrels. This year, these minstrels began meeting up and organizing various events in this center, which made us very happy. This is something wonderful for them and also for the people living there. Similarly, we have provided an opportunity for women with the saz and tar making and training workshops. Young people got very enthusiastic and signed up for these trainings. Having started its activities within the scope of the project, after initial support, this workshop continues to operate under the guidance of our artist trainers there. These are all very pleasing developments according to us.
UNDP Turkey: Minstrelsy is listed as an intangible cultural heritage under UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.
S.A.: Yes.
UNDP Turkey: Starting from tar making and going all the way to ensuring the continuation of the tradition, you are trying to protect this tradition. Speaking of protection, there was a minstrel CD that we listened together and broadcasted here. After that, your activities continued, right?
S.A.: Yes. I would like to remind you that the tradition of minstrelsy was included in this list in 2009. Of course, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is working in this field. And our project has contributed to their works. We also compiled a publication out of these activities by listening to Eastern Anatolian folk stories, which constituted a complementary activity. Some selected stories in this book were even recorded to CDs. Again about intangible cultural heritage, I had mentioned a research we carried out with Kafkas University. I would like to talk about a pleasant development regarding this. The research was highly comprehensive and we compiled a publication from some of the findings we have covered. This work will also be published soon.
UNDP Turkey: It seems everything we talked about last year has progressed in some way. I know there is still a lot to add, but I would like to turn to Ms. Çakır. We have just mentioned that a certain capacity was built to revive winter and nature tourism. Additionally, you had led works under supporting income generating activities and employment. Perhaps this is one of the noteworthy aspects of the project as well.
N.Ç.: We initiated a grant programme to foster winter, nature and culture tourism in order to trigger the tourism potential. The programme started in 2010 and we received 15 applications. 8 out of these 15 applications received grants. In Boğatepe, a village in Kars, we established a museum on cheese production and its history. Additionally, we have a project regarding Kars dolls. These are all related to income generating activities. We also led projects regarding capacity building in Kars Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association and improving geese breeding. Our activities on nature routes took place within the scope of this grant programme as well. Of course, these projects take women and gender equality into consideration. Apart from that, we organized series of introductory activities oriented towards introducing and marketing tourism. Together with the Kars Culture and Tourism Infrastructure Service Union, we developed a number of introductory materials to increase their quality and to ensure their widespread use. We attended national and international fairs. We participated in EMITT in Moscow and MITT as well. We also participated in the tourism fair in Berlin. And we did this to introduce both the project and Kars. We accomplished all of this with the participation of the Governorate of Kars, the municipality and the representatives of the private sector on the local level.
UNDP Turkey: In fact all these took place in one year. Those who will visit Kars will see the traces of this series of projects at every step they take. They will see it when they buy souvenirs, taste the local cheese or go hiking in one of the nature routes. Lastly, I would like to go back to you Ms. Aytun. We haven’t finished our conversation on transferring protected sites to the digital media and Ani archeological site.
S.A.: This project is comprised of the transfer of immovable cultural heritage, registered to the province of Kars, to the digital media. We were working on it back then and now it has been completed. This project will enable us to manage cultural heritage much more easily, using a digital information management system. Here, something very pleasant happened. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism founded the Kars Regional Protection Council and, so as soon as the system was completed, it was presented to the Council’s use. Therefore, they started working in Kars with an automation system ready for their use. Of course, we would like this project to set an example to other provinces. We hope it will be beneficial.
UNDP Turkey: Yes, we hope so too. The project will continue until April of 2012. And after that its impact and certain dimensions will remain through the work of the local partners. Thank you, Ms. Çakır and Ms. Aytun, for your contributions. We have come to the end of this episode of the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. This program has been recorded at the studio of Radyo İlef of Ankara University Communications Department. You can follow our program on Açık Radyo (Open Radio) on FM frequency, on university radios in our broadcasting network, on iTunes under podcasts and on undp.org.tr. Our username for social media is undpturkiye. Hope to see you next week, good-bye!
Our subject for this episode is the ecotourism project ongoing in Beypazarı district of Ankara for some time, which stands out with its success.
UNDP Turkey: Hello, this is the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. Our subject for this episode is an ecotourism project ongoing in Beypazarı district of Ankara for some time, which stands out with its success. Our contributors are Beypazarı Coordinator from Nature Association, Mr. Adem Akyol, and GEF Small Grants Programme National Coordinator, Mr. Gökmen Argun. Welcome.
Adem Akyol (A.A.), Gökmen Argun (G.A.): Hello.
UNDP Turkey: I would like to start with Mr. Akyol. You work in the field of nature tourism. When it comes to Beypazarı, we hear quite a lot about the concept of ecotourism and nature tourism these days. Can you talk about what you have changed in Beypazarı?
A.A.: Beypazarı covers a very significant natural area. It is known for its history, culture and houses among people. So we came up with a project that we will first introduce to the locals so that they can introduce to other people afterwards. Firstly, we tried to introduce the local people to the Egyptian vulture as a very rare species that is found in very few places on Earth. We put up signs to the premises and trained people. In addition, we tried to attract everyone who wanted to see that local species to Beypazarı.
UNDP Turkey: Beypazarı is a district found between Ankara and Istanbul that people can visit on weekends. It takes a one-hour trip from Ankara to get there. Perhaps you have given people a reason to visit Beypazarı, or turned it into an option for them. You mentioned the Egyptian vulture. Is it indigenous to Beypazarı?
A.A.: The Egyptian vulture is an endangered species. Beypazarı is one of the few places in the world where it is the most populous. It is rarely seen in other places on Earth. And Turkey is one of the places where you can easily spot and observe it. The Egyptian vultures’ nests are in the İnözü Valley. Therefore, you can watch them there. Before this project, or rather before GEF provided grants, local people didn’t know any of that. For example, they used to call the Egyptian vulture an eagle. Thanks to our influence they contributed to the protection of this species and became more aware. Thus, in the later phases of the project the Beypazarı Nature House was built.
UNDP Turkey: What is a Nature House?
A.A.: The first Nature House of Turkey is the one we opened with our municipality to introduce the nature of the region to people. It is a manor that people can visit to get information. The ground floor is used as a visitors’ center. Here, people can receive important information concerning the nature of the region such as the vegetation, butterflies, birds, etc. The first floor is used as an inn. People can stay at the manor and join our tours to see the species they want.
UNDP Turkey: Now I would like to turn to you, Ms. Argun. As the GEF Small Grants Programme, why do you support this project in Beypazarı? What is the most attractive element of the project according to you?
G.A.: First of all, the project is very well structured. It gave us a chance to engage in ecotourism in the right way. Because ecotourism isn’t about being a tourist out in the nature or tourism management within nature. Ecotourism is a mechanism to ensure the support so that a significant area can still exist tomorrow. So if you call what you do ecotourism, you must be contributing in some way to make sure that a certain plant, species, track and the natural richness of the area last for the days to come. This is also a kind of communication with the nature. You become connected with nature. Here in Beypazarı, there are some very critical issues. The first key issue is that the people living in the area must embrace their region. Tackling this issue is really the most important step. By raising this kind of awareness, first the people who should embrace their region become aware and later the tourists who come to visit. There are some key elements here. As Mr. Akyol has mentioned we have signs, materials concerning the nature and accommodation. You hear about each of these and as a result you make a contribution to the Egyptian vulture species and your chance of seeing it in the future increases. In our opinion, this is the key point of the project.
UNDP Turkey: So we need to underline that ecotourism isn’t simply an income generating activity, which is something important for the region. It also has a natural protection dimension to it. And that is what Mr. Akyol’s association is trying to accomplish. Mr. Akyol, you are from Beypazarı, I presume?
A.A.: Yes, I come from Beypazarı.
UNDP Turkey: And you know the region well. You started off with the Egyptian vulture and it has become the mascot of your project. Where do you use this image of the Egyptian vulture?
A.A.: One of the first places we used the vulture image is İnözü Valley premises. We trained local people of the region and our friends who work at the premises. At the end of the trainings we decided that we should come up with something that is pleasing to the eye. We commissioned shirts with little vultures on them. Visitors see the vulture on signs but when they see it on the waiters’ outfit, we thought they would become curious and ask.
UNDP Turkey: So we shouldn’t be surprised if we see a vulture on a waiter’s collar. Your motto is “Have you ever seen a vulture?”
A.A.: Apart from that we put up a stand regarding the Egyptian vulture at a mall in Ankara and it remained open for about a week. We held contests among primary schools in Ankara, like a story writing contest for example, which gave us an opportunity to tell children about vultures. We told them that the Egyptian vulture is the only vulture species able to use its beak and if it were to hit it to a rock it would break its beak. And after that, they named the vulture “rockture” which we found really sweet.
UNDP Turkey: So you ended up with a mascot named “rockture” as a symbol of ecotourism in Beypazarı. Ms. Argun, what is the budget of this project?
G.A.: We provided a grant of around 45 thousand dollars to this project. But the Nature Association and its partners also contributed an equal amount. Our partner was the municipality. So, in total, the budget of the project was close to 100 thousand dollars. But we should look at the situation like this: Sometimes your contribution may not be as significant as a financial one. But it has a value of its own. Think of the support your contribution provides in this way. This small budget encompasses not only the culture of Beypazarı, but also its nature. This project considerably enriched Beypazarı. As the SGP, our main mission is to prove that small contributions can grow like a rolling snowball to include new partners, ideas and courses.
UNDP Turkey: The name “Small Grants Programme” says it all, in fact, that big things can be achieved through small contributions.
G.A.: We already hold the key. These are actually very small amounts. Because 45 thousand or 50 thousand aren’t big figures for a project. Under normal circumstances greater amounts are necessary for financing projects. So we are in fact managing an incentive mechanism to which we hold the key. For instance the second phase of this project is completed and now the third one is being prepared for. So this project has proved its sustainability.
UNDP Turkey: We hope that things keep moving with the same momentum. Ownership by the locals is one reason why the project is successful. Mr. Akyol, you continue to recruit volunteers in Beypazarı. Where are you headed with this? What is your objective?
A.A.: Our objective is to introduce the nature of the region in the best possible way, to tell people about it in the most appropriate way. This project is in its inception phase and it is moving forward. As you said, it is a sustainable one. Besides the Nature House, we will build another manor at a village where the vegetation is characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. By improving our ecotourism activities, we want to attract people to the countryside, to the life in villages by introducing them to the nature in order to make them pay more attention to the rural areas. So we aim to introduce the nature of Beypazarı, besides its cuisine, manors and culture.
UNDP Turkey: Are the results pleasing? What kind of feedback do you receive from local people in Beypazarı?
A.A.: After we initiated activities, people started coming, asking about the Nature House. Now, they come to us to ask when they come across even the smallest of species. As the Nature House is one of the most important visitors center, everyone can come to see. And of course, when people find a wounded animal species, they bring it to us. The Nature House is totally embraced by the locals. And as the Nature Association, we aim to establish other Nature Houses in the regions we operate.
UNDP Turkey: Then if we visit Beypazarı, we are sure to visit the Nature House. If we don’t get to visit, we type “Have you ever seen a vulture?” on Google and reach information about your project. Thank you Mr. Adem Akyol, Beypazarı Coordinator from Nature Association and Ms. Gökmen Argun, GEF Small Grants Programme National Coordinator, for your contribution. We have come to the end of this episode of the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. This program has been recorded at the studio of Radyo İlef of Ankara University Communications Department. You can follow our program on Açık Radyo (Open Radio) on FM frequency, on university radios in our broadcasting network, on iTunes under podcasts and on undp.org.tr. Our username for social media is undpturkiye. Hope to see you next week, good-bye!
In this episode, our topic is water, which supports our habitats and which empowers our environment. We are talking about a project called “Every drop matters”.
UNDP Turkey: Hello, this is the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. In this episode, our topic is the water, which supports our habitats and which empowers our environment. We are talking about a project called “Every drop matters”. Our key-note speaker is Ceyda Alpay, Every Drop Matters Regional Project Associate. Hello Ms. Alpay.
Ceyda Alpay (C.A.): Hello.
UNDP Turkey: You have been implementing this project for a long time. I would like you to introduce this project briefly. What is the aim of ‘Every Drop Matters’?
C.A.: Our project has started in 2007 with the cooperation of Coca-Cola and UNDP and our local project is still being implemented. The aim of this project is to provide safe drinking water to people and teach them how to use water efficiently within the framework of climate adaptation.
As I mentioned before, this project began in 2007 and 2012 will be the last regional phase. Having seen improvements, last year we initiated the global phase of the project. Now it is being implemented by the director of the phase in Stockholm.
UNDP Turkey: In other words, the project that started in 2007 is composed of a partnership of Coca Cola and UNDP. At the first phase, it started as a regional project but its success has made it a global one.
C.A.: Yes, exactly.
UNDP Turkey: We have already talked about how it started. How is this project being implemented in other countries? Then, let’s analyze Turkey.
C.A.: In regional phase, the first one, we included Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Armenia and Turkey.
UNDP Turkey: I also would like to add that the countries you have mentioned are located either near Turkey or have a shore on the Black Sea. Now, let’s talk about Turkey. What have you done in Turkey so far?
C.A.: In the regional phase, we have initiated 3 projects in Turkey. We created a tap water project in Saray, Ankara. To summarize the project, there were technical problems in pipeline of the tap water and due to cemented pipelines many explosions happened in that town. We changed the pipelines and were able to save 30 thousand tonnes of water.
UNDP Turkey: So, you succeeded in saving water and having safe water.
C.A.: Saray has been provided with safe drinking water.
UNDP Turkey: After Saray, the next town is Beypazarı. I know your project implemented in Beypazarı. If possible, can you talk about that? What have you achieved so far?
C.A.: There is a little town called Kuyumcutekke in Beypazari. Its access to safe drinking water is limited due to geographical reasons. I mean, its access to water is one hour once a day, sometimes just 15 minutes during the summer. When we analyze the weather conditions, we realized that we could use the roof-rain harvest. Having provided that, we have placed water storage facilities there and provided continuous and sustainable drinking water for 12 months to local people.
UNDP Turkey: You have mentioned about rainwater harvest. Can you give more detail about that? For example; I have a house in a village. Do I place storage on it? How does it work?
C.A.: There should be simple requirements to establish this system. First of all, there should be rainfall more than 300 meters, and a roof area. We enable the rainfall gathered from the roof gutters to reach the top of the roof through pipes. There we have a simple griddle that is used to prevent access of foreign material to the storage area. The sifted water is going inside of the roof and sifted out via a sand-shingle filter. Rainfall is already pure water that needs simple refinement. Afterwards, we enable that water to reach every single house with the help of a small water pump.
UNDP Turkey: Actually, you talked about this at the beginning. Everything started with the impacts of climate change. In other words, climate change is one of the main reasons causing the emergence of this project. The impacts of climate change have been felt for a while. The area that you have mentioned is one of them. We talk about the decrease in the rainfall, drought, and flood in some of the areas. Taking them into account, you have established this project. You mostly have highlighted the access to clean drinking water part. It has become so successful that it has become a global project since 2010. Now, you are adding a new aspect to your activities in Turkey. You have established a new phase that is related to the whole Black Sea region and countries surrounding the Black Sea. How did you start?
C.A.: As you have mentioned earlier, this project was established as one concerning the Black Sea region. The name of the project is Black Sea Tool Box. Since the beginning, our aim is to make them be used in countries surrounding the Black Sea. Initially, we started the first phase in Turkey. However, the project has already being implemented in Ukraine and Russia. In the following years, the project is expected to take place in Black Sea countries the latest at the end of 2013. Now, I would like to talk about Black Sea tool box. Actually, we distribute them to educators. They are prepared for primary education level. However, the content is prepared for educators to be able to let them teach the content to students. The box contains a book that has 5 chapters.
UNDP Turkey: What is the main message in these books?
C.A.: The chapters start from the geographical and hydrological features of Black Sea region. It continues with the problems that we face in the Black Sea region and how we can handle them. The lecturing part takes place at the beginning of each chapter, is written professionally and prepared for teachers. The teachers are expected to simplify the topics and teach them to the students. There are 56 activities at the end of each chapter. What I mean is there are games related to each topic. Besides that we have game cards in the boxes. Also, we have 2 posters and 1 educational DVD. With the help of the Ministry of National Education, we have been able to reach primary public schools in the Black Sea region. Many educators came and joined us during the training sessions. We handed out boxes and they took them to the schools.
UNDP Turkey: You have reached almost all the schools in the Black Sea region via the Ministry of National Education. It is essential to underline the main idea. This project is aiming at adapting to climate change and it reminds us how important the water is for our lives. I want to ask what the children will learn from the distribution of the boxes. Then we can come to the end of the program.
C.A.: With that box, we can understand the problems we face in the Black Sea region through simplifying them. For example, we can simply explain what does ‘eutrophication’ mean and how we can prevent it.
UNDP Turkey: What is eutrophication?
C.A.: An increase in the number of plants in the sea due to garbage. The number increases yet the amount of oxygen in the sea decreases and negatively affects all creatures living there.
UNDP Turkey: With this project, you will enable children to learn many things. Indeed, we also improve our knowledge through these boxes. How about the other schools those want to benefit from the boxes in other regions?
C.A.: If they contact us via everydropmatters.org. We can send them the boxes as soon as possible.
UNDP Turkey: Also, they can search for ‘Every Drop Matters’. They can contact you via both ways. Thank you so much for your contribution.
C.A.: You are welcome.
UNDP Turkey: Today’s contributor was Ceyda Alpay, Every Drop Matters Regional Project Associate. We have come to the end of this episode of the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. This program has been recorded at the studios of Radyo İlef of Ankara University Communications Department. You can follow our program on Açık Radyo (Open Radio) on FM frequency, on university radios in our broadcasting network, on iTunes under podcasts and on undp.org.tr. Our username for social media is undpturkiye. Hope to see you next week, goodbye!
In this episode we will talk about the extent to which electrical appliances pollute the earth and what we can do to prevent it.
UNDP Turkey: Hello, this is the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. In this episode we will talk about the extent to which electrical appliances pollute the earth and what we can do to prevent it. Our contributor is Market Transformation of Energy Efficient Appliances Project Manager, Mr. Necmettin Tokur. Welcome, Mr. Tokur.
Necmettin Tokur (N.T.): Hello.
UNDP Turkey: You are the Project Manager of the Market Transformation of Energy Efficient Appliances Project, to which many partners, including UNDP, contribute. What are the objectives of this project?
N.T.: As you know, energy is one of the most important elements of the global agenda, as well as Turkey’s agenda. It can be understood from this statement that energy has a significant place in our lives and, therefore, we must use it in an efficient and rational manner. The appliances we use in our homes to make our lives easier, such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens and air conditioners, function through electricity. They are also some of the most energy consuming electrical appliances. For this reason, as the title of the project suggests, we basically aim to encourage the efficient and rational use of electrical appliances. Within the scope of the project, we have a wide range of partners from government institutions and private sector. Currently, the project is jointly run by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, being is its executive agent. The Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology, on the other hand, is one of the institutional partners of the project, concentrating on the legislation regarding energy efficiency of electrical appliances. As for our partners from the private sector, Turkish White Goods Manufacturers (TURKBESD), representing the white goods sector, is the primary one, while white goods giant Arçelik is another partner. A large portion of the project budget is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). And lastly, UNDP is one of the implementing partners of the project.
UNDP Turkey: We derive from what you have just said that this is a multi-partner project and aims for a total transformation regarding the use of electrical appliances throughout Turkey. So we are talking about a structure that encompasses a great many activities with raising awareness being the primary one. Let’s talk a little bit about this. What is to be accomplished under this project to raise awareness?
N.T.: Essentially, this project has 3 main objectives. First, ensuring that the appliances are tagged appropriately according to their consumption of energy; second, developing an ecodesign legislation; and third, building the necessary infrastructure for institutions to implement this legislation. The project has been initiated a year ago and currently, we are focusing on its legislation development aspect.
UNDP Turkey: Of course, institutional initiatives must be taken so that sectors can improve themselves. I understand that you have made start in this manner.
N.T.: Yes. We must build the capacities of institutions to make sure that especially the market product checks are dealt with in a healthy and efficient way.
UNDP Turkey: Thank you very much, Mr. Necmettin Tokur, Market Transformation of Energy Efficient Appliances Project Manager for your contributions. We have come to the end of this episode of the New Horizons Podcast of United Nations Development Programme Turkey. This program has been recorded at the studio of Radyo İlef of Ankara University Communications Department. You can follow our program on Açık Radyo (Open Radio) on FM frequency, on university radios in our broadcasting network, on iTunes under podcasts and on undp.org.tr. Our username for social media is undpturkiye. Hope to see you next week, good-bye!