Article 1 – Purpose

The name of the association is “Ekomiras.”

Ekomiras is a non-governmental organization operating in the scientific, cultural, and environmental fields, aiming to protect the natural balance and biodiversity of inland waters and coastal areas—including primarily the Mediterranean, as well as the Marmara, Aegean, and Black Seas, together with lakes, rivers, deltas, lagoons, and coastal habitats; to document, preserve, and sustain the cultural and historical heritage within these areas; and to transmit this heritage to future generations.

In line with these objectives, the Association conducts activities in priority areas such as the protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems; the study of the ecological values of wetlands; the identification of environmental threats and the development of solution proposals; the support of sustainable fisheries practices; the establishment of marine protected areas; and participation in environmental law processes.

Ekomiras regards nature not only as an environmental domain, but also as a cultural and scientific responsibility; it aims to promote a conscious understanding of the past and to leave a livable environment for future generations.

Article 2 – Fields of Activity

In order to achieve its objectives, the Association carries out activities in the following areas:

1. Conservation and Research

a) Conducting activities aimed at protecting living organisms and the natural balance within marine, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems,
b) Researching, documenting, and transmitting to future generations the ecological, historical, and cultural values of wetlands and marine and coastal ecosystems,
c) Leading efforts for the protection of sensitive ecosystems such as seagrasses, corals, mangroves, and wetlands,
d) Developing scientific projects and conducting research to ensure the sustainability of freshwater and marine ecosystems.

2. Awareness and Protected Areas

a) Organizing educational programs, publications, digital content, exhibitions, and cultural events to increase public awareness,
b) Contributing to the dissemination of environmental awareness and fostering public sensitivity,
c) Cooperating with public institutions, universities, and other relevant organizations for the establishment and effective management of marine protected areas.

3. Prevention of Environmental Threats

a) Identifying threats such as the climate crisis, pollution, coastal infill, habitat destruction, excessive construction, port and marina developments, sand extraction, improper artificial reef applications, outdated mooring systems, and similar risks,
b) Preparing technical and expert reports on these threats, developing solutions, and monitoring their implementation.

4. Sustainable Fisheries

a) Conducting activities to preserve and develop traditional fisheries,
b) Initiating efforts to restrict or prohibit industrial fishing in inland waters and sensitive biological corridors,
c) Producing scientific reports and policy recommendations against illegal and unsustainable fishing,
d) Contributing to the development of fish preservation techniques and responsible fishing practices.

5. Cultural Heritage

a) Developing projects for the protection, promotion, and documentation of maritime culture and underwater heritage,
b) Establishing and providing access to scientific databases related to these fields.

6. Cooperation

Developing joint projects with national and international individuals, institutions, and organizations; establishing multi-stakeholder collaborations; and carrying out joint work programs.

7. Environmental Law and Advocacy

a) Initiating actions for the establishment of marine and wetland protected areas,
b) Participating in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes and similar regulatory implementations,
c) Conducting advocacy and legal consultancy activities based on environmental law.

8. Holistic (Ecosystem-Based) Conservation

a) Contributing to the adoption of an ecosystem-based rather than species-based conservation approach,
b) Conducting habitat and population identification, monitoring, and research activities,
c) Developing and implementing habitat-based projects.

9. Scientific Studies and Publications

a) Compiling, analyzing, publishing, and presenting data obtained from the Association’s projects,
b) Leading scientific studies and establishing relevant databases.

10. Nature and Culture Relations

Researching the relationships between nature, sea, humans, water, history, culture, ecology, and technology; sharing these relationships with society; and ensuring the protection of these values.

11. Education and Public Awareness

a) Developing educational programs, workshops, and teaching materials to cultivate environmentally conscious individuals,
b) Organizing scholarships, training, and capacity-building programs,
c) Conducting awareness activities to increase society’s sensitivity toward natural resources.

12. Support for Science and Academia

a) Providing material and moral support to academic and independent studies aligned with the Association’s objectives,
b) Creating opportunities for scientists in experimental underwater archaeology, ecological studies, and natural history research,
c) Organizing and supporting research, education, and scholarship programs.

13. Cultural and Scientific Contributions

a) Designing, supporting, and completing cultural heritage and scientific research related to seas and coasts,
b) Sharing findings with the public and the scientific community,
c) Increasing interest in the science of history and awareness of cultural heritage, and strengthening civil society activities.