Turquoise Coast Environment Fund

Aim

Protecting and restoring Türkiye’s coastal and marine ecosystems by funding locally led nature and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Safeguarding the future of Türkiye’s coastal ecosystems

Türkiye’s coastal and marine ecosystems — from seagrass meadows and wetlands to coral communities and critical habitats for endangered species — are facing escalating pressures from climate change, pollution, overfishing, coastal development, and habitat degradation. These ecosystems support extraordinary biodiversity, protect shorelines, sustain fisheries, and underpin the livelihoods, food security, and well-being of millions of people.

Across the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Eastern Mediterranean regions, the decline of nature is increasingly visible: damaged habitats, marine pollution, declining fish stocks, biodiversity loss, and rising climate risks such as warming seas and extreme weather events. Yet these ecosystems retain remarkable capacity for recovery if they are given effective protection, restoration, and sustainable management.

Restoring coastal and marine ecosystems is one of the most effective ways to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises at the same time.

Founded in 2022, TCEF channels funding directly to locally led initiatives that are delivering impact on the ground — from restoring critical habitats to strengthening sustainable livelihoods and empowering coastal communities to protect their natural heritage.

Since 2022, TCEF has awarded €428,728.31 in grants to 42 projects working on biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries, wildlife conservation, pollution reduction, and community resilience across Türkiye’s coastal regions. These projects are designed and implemented by local organisations with deep knowledge of their ecosystems and communities.

From reviving forgotten local fish species in Foça to restoring critical coastal habitats in Samandağ, Hatay, and strengthening grassroots conservation organisations along the Aegean coast, TCEF supports community-driven solutions that protect nature while sustaining local livelihoods.

You can view the full portfolio of projects we have supported HERE.

Why we focus on Türkiye’s coasts?

Türkiye is bordered by three seas and hosts some of the Mediterranean’s most important ecosystems — including seagrass meadows, wetlands, deltas, coastal forests, and marine habitats for endangered species.

These environments not only sustain biodiversity but also regulate water cycles, store carbon, protect coastlines from erosion, and underpin local economies.

However, they are under severe and increasing pressure from urbanisation, tourism, pollution, and climate change.

Supporting locally led conservation is one of the most effective ways to reverse this decline — because the people closest to these ecosystems are often best placed to protect them.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We receive far more high-quality project proposals than we can currently fund. Many of these initiatives are ready to act now but lack access to flexible financial support.

Without funding, promising solutions remain unrealised.

Through crowdfunding, we aim to unlock new resources that will allow us to support more of these urgent and inspiring projects.

Your donation will help us:

• Restore degraded coastal and marine habitats
• Protect endangered species and biodiversity hotspots
• Support sustainable small-scale fisheries
• Reduce pollution and improve ecosystem health
• Empower local organisations leading conservation efforts

Beyond funding, we work closely with our partners — providing guidance, connecting them with expertise, supporting impact measurement, and amplifying their successes to attract further support.

By contributing, you become part of a growing community working to safeguard Türkiye’s natural heritage and secure a healthier future for both people and nature.

TCEF & the Conservation Collective

TCEF is part of the Conservation Collective, a global network of locally focused environmental foundations working to protect and restore the world’s most precious natural places. Since 2020, CC have launched, funded, and grown over 20 Foundations, supporting locally-led action where it creates the greatest impact: at the grassroots. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st December 2026 at 11:26am