ECOLEGACY MEDITERRANEAN
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?
Ecolegacy aims to protect all underwater life—from seagrass meadows to corals, from sponges to mangrove ecosystems, and from sharks to seals and sea turtles—through scientific research. It studies, documents, and develops solution-oriented projects to sustain the ecological, cultural, and historical values of the Mediterranean Basin and the wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas of Türkiye. 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 through collaboration with relevant institutions.
The association also supports sustainable fisheries; it carries out efforts to preserve traditional fishing practices, report illegal and improper fishing activities, monitor fish stocks, and promote responsible fishing principles. Cultural projects are developed to sustain marine and water-related heritage and coastal communities, while studies in underwater archaeology, experimental archaeology, and maritime history are supported.
Public awareness is one of Ecolegacy’s strongest pillars. Through seminars, panels, workshops, educational programs, digital content, documentaries, and interactive exhibitions, the association communicates the importance of marine and aquatic ecosystems to wider audiences. It produces publications based on scientific data, supports young researchers, and collaborates on joint projects with national and international institutions. Additionally, it organizes interdisciplinary scientific expeditions across oceans, seas, lakes, and wetlands, conducting research and conservation activities in all aquatic environments.
Ecolegacy’s vision is to regard nature not only as something to be protected, but also as a cultural and scientific heritage; to strengthen the bond between humans and water; and to ensure the scientific conservation of all aquatic ecosystems for a sustainable, healthy, and livable future.
