As a consultant to the International Union for Conservation of Nature – Center for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN MED), Yolda Initiative has been tasked with developing the management and action plan for the Patara Special Environmental Protected Area (SEPA) in Antalya, Türkiye. This area is a pilot site within the framework of the Mediterranean-level RESCOM project.
🐠 Patara SEPA is a site of exceptional ecological, cultural and archaeological value. Its unique multi-biome ecosystems and rich historical significance highlight the critical need for sustainable management to protect its natural values and cultural heritage for future generations.
✏️ On 18-19-20 December 2024, a three-day event that included an extensive field visit and a participatory workshop was organized. The field visit, conducted with the various local stakeholders and experts, provided an opportunity to explore and document the site’s natural and cultural assets, as well as the threats and issues facing the SEPA.
🎯 During the two-day workshop sessions, 59 participants representing the key stakeholders and communities worked together to identify local and regional threats, needs and priorities, and potential solutions critical to preserving ecolgoical and cultural heritage and to supporting sustainable land and sea use systems by the local communities. Additionally, stakeholders contributed their suggestions to define a collective vision for the future of Patara SEPA.These discussions will inform the foundation of a robust management and action plan for the future of Patara SEPA.
🍀 We thank IUCN Med, the RESCOM project partners and all participants for their invaluable contributions to this important task.