Reading the Blue, Protecting Sea.
Ecolegacy is a scientific, cultural, and environmental non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting the natural balance, biological diversity, and cultural heritage of all aquatic ecosystems—from the oceans to the Mediterranean Basin; from the Aegean, Marmara, and Black Seas to lakes, rivers, deltas, and lagoons. The association identifies the threats facing marine, inland water, and coastal areas; conducts scientific research; develops education and awareness programs; and aims to ensure that these environments are passed on to future generations in a healthy and sustainable condition.
Who are we?
Eco Legacy Mediterranean aims to protect all forms of underwater life—from seagrass meadows to corals, from sponges to mangrove ecosystems, and from sharks to seals and sea turtles—through a science-based approach. The organization researches and documents the ecological, cultural, and historical values of the Mediterranean Basin and Türkiye’s wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, and develops solution-oriented projects to ensure the continuity of these values. It produces reports and scientific studies addressing threats such as the climate crisis, pollution, coastal degradation, overdevelopment, deep-sea discharge, plastic pollution, and habitat loss, and contributes to the establishment of protected areas in cooperation with relevant institutions.
The association also supports sustainable fisheries, with a particular focus on preserving traditional fishing practices, reporting incorrect and illegal fishing activities, monitoring fish stocks, and promoting responsible fishing principles. Cultural projects are developed to safeguard marine culture, water-related heritage, and the legacy of coastal communities; studies in underwater archaeology, experimental archaeology, and maritime history are actively supported.
Public awareness is one of Ekomiras’s strongest pillars. Through seminars, panels, workshops, educational programs, digital content, documentaries, and interactive exhibitions, the association communicates the importance of seas and aquatic ecosystems to broad audiences. It produces publications grounded in scientific data, supports young researchers, and carries out joint projects with national and international institutions. In addition, Ekomiras organizes interdisciplinary scientific expeditions across oceans, seas, lakes, and wetlands, conducting research and conservation activities in all water-related environments.
Ekomiras’s vision is to regard nature not only as an area to be protected, but also as a cultural and scientific heritage; to strengthen the bond between people and water; and to safeguard all aquatic ecosystems on a scientific basis for a sustainable, healthy, and livable future.
