WWF-Turkey, which today operates as a member of one the world’s biggest conservation institutions network WWF, was founded in 1975 as the Society for the Conservation of Nature (DHKD) by a group of intellectuals and artists who did not have any capital except their passion for the conservation of nature. In the first years, the organization focused mostly on endangered bird species and launched with the protection of the bald ibis. Afterward, the marine turtle became synonymous with us and the steps taken for the protection of the marine turtle constituted the building blocks in Turkey.
During its 44 years of conservation work, the scope of the work expanded, the goals became bigger and the organization became more institutionalized. WWF-Turkey’s conservation work caused a domino effect; each newly discovered area became a new chapter in Turkey’s nature awareness and conservation efforts and brought on new responsibilities. As WWF-Turkey, we protected our natural heritage and worked to conserve the ecological balance and to preserve plant and animal species, wetlands, forests, sand dunes for future generations.
WWF-Turkey developed concrete solutions to nature conservation through species and habitat conservation, policy development, capacity development and training and communication efforts. It abided by the principle of taking into account the expectations, social, cultural and economic needs of the local community. Through partnerships with public institutions, local administrations, the business world, scientists, other NGOs and local communities, WWF-Turkey achieved many “firsts” in regards to Turkey’s nature conservation efforts and the professionalization of NGOs.
WWF-Turkey’s strategic approach and its goals to start reversing the loss of nature are driven by nine practices: Wildlife, Oceans, Forests, Freshwater, Climate & Energy, Food, Finance, Governance and Markets. From communities on the ground to decision-makers in governments and business, we work with people around the world to safeguard the natural world – the oceans, forests, freshwater and rich diversity of wildlife that provide the essentials of life for all. We are challenging the two most urgent threats to nature: climate change and food production. And we are working tirelessly to address the underlying global drivers for the loss of nature: a financial system that must value nature; a governance system that needs to consider the impacts of decisions on people and nature; and markets where sustainable production and consumption must become the norm.
WWF-Turkey’s conservation work abides by the following principles:
WWF-Turkey is multicultural, impartial and independent of politics.
WWF-Turkey uses the latest scientific data in its work.
WWF-Turkey creates concrete nature protection solutions by combining field projects, political initiatives, capacity building and educational activities.
WWF-Turkey involves local communities and communities in the planning and execution of their field programs, taking into account cultural and economic needs.
WWF-Turkey establishes partnerships with other organizations, governments, business and local communities.
WWF-Turkey carries out its work at low costs and efficiently; using financial resources from its supporters responsibly.