The overall goal of the project is to sustain the ecosystem integrity of Balıkdamı and to ensure freshwater availability for natural ecosystems and every single living being under the current disturbances. Although the wetland is a protected area, it is under pressure due to excessive use of water for agriculture and the freshwater quality of the area is adversely affected by chemical inputs in agriculture. Other important problems include changes in the water regime and water beds through legal and illegal wells and irrigation channels and increasing flooding during excessive rainfall due to the accumulated material in the wetland caused by erosion in the upper basins. Under these conditions the specific goals of the project are 1) to reduce land use impacts on Balıkdamı through developing nature-based solutions, 2) to identify restoration requirements of Balıkdamı for ensuring ecosystem services, and implement urgent actions for degraded habitats, 3) to increase awareness of local people on the conservation and sustainability of ecosystem integrity.

In this project, by implementing priority restoration activities identified in Balıkdamı Wetland Management Plan, it will be ensured that the habitats of wildlife are improved, and biodiversity is supported. In addition, the local farmers will be informed about the nature-based solutions that will be identified about agricultural activities that affect the wetland. The experiences gained within the scope of the project will be shared with non-governmental organization members in Empower the Nature Network for the dissemination of the results.

The project benefits from the support of the Donors Initiative For Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems (www.dimfe.org).