Protect biodiversity
Identify threats from climate change and human activity, and protect and increase the populations of target species and the size and quality of their habitats.
About us
Since 2012 we have been monitoring, protecting and — together with local fishers — restoring the Mediterranean's endangered species and the marine ecosystems they live in.
Photo: Akdeniz Koruma Vakfı Arşivi
Who we are
Mediterranean Conservation was founded in İzmir in 2012 as a national non-governmental organisation and today continues its work as the Mediterranean Conservation Foundation.
Monitoring and restoring endangered species such as the Mediterranean monk seal and the sandbar shark, and the marine ecosystems they inhabit, are our priority areas of work. While contributing to the protection of species and habitats, this work also secures the livelihoods of fishers who keep traditional small-scale coastal fishing alive.
- 2012
- Founded in İzmir
- 4
- Areas where we carry out conservation work
- 2013
- Year we launched the Marine Ranger System
- 8
- Awards received (2012–2025)
Our mission
To develop and implement science-based projects that protect the biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural heritage of the Mediterranean basin and raise awareness of them.
Our vision
To work for a Mediterranean ecosystem in which all living beings live in harmony and balance.
Photo: Akdeniz Koruma Vakfı Arşivi
Our values
Science
Developing science-based, nature-based solutions that support the survival of species and habitats and strengthen their resilience to climate change.
Inclusion
Sharing responsibility with every person and organisation that can meet around conservation; working with local stakeholders and building national and international partnerships with expert organisations and people.
Harmony
Protecting biodiversity while considering the economic and cultural needs of local communities and supporting the use of resources in harmony with nature.
Transparency
Sharing the processes and outcomes of our work with volunteers and donors, and taking responsibility for presenting every tangible result to the public.
Equality and respect
Making no room for discrimination in our organisational culture or programmes, just as we respect diversity in nature.
Our strategy
While sharing what we know about nature, we respect the knowledge, experience and preferences of all the groups and individuals we work with.
Strengthen the marine protected area network
Support an increase in scientifically defined, ecologically connected and sufficiently large marine protected areas and their effective protection.
Address non-native species
Monitor non-native species appearing in the Mediterranean and assess their impacts; hand the market developed for edible species over the last decade to small-scale fishing cooperatives and market actors.
Support cultural heritage
Support the identification and underwater excavation of Early Bronze Age and Hellenistic remains and shipwrecks near marine protected areas.
Share responsibility for conservation
Organise communication and awareness work that increases the participation of communities and stakeholders in conservation.
01Protect biodiversity+
Identify threats from climate change and human activity, and protect and increase the populations of target species and the size and quality of their habitats.
02Strengthen the marine protected area network+
Support an increase in scientifically defined, ecologically connected and sufficiently large marine protected areas and their effective protection.
03Address non-native species+
Monitor non-native species appearing in the Mediterranean and assess their impacts; hand the market developed for edible species over the last decade to small-scale fishing cooperatives and market actors.
04Support cultural heritage+
Support the identification and underwater excavation of Early Bronze Age and Hellenistic remains and shipwrecks near marine protected areas.
05Share responsibility for conservation+
Organise communication and awareness work that increases the participation of communities and stakeholders in conservation.
Our journey
Our milestones and awards since 2012.
2012
- Akdeniz Koruma, İzmir'de ulusal bir sivil toplum kuruluşu olarak kuruldu.
- Marsh Award for Marine Conservation LeadershipUnited Kingdom
2013
- Deniz Koruyuculuğu Sistemi, Gökova Körfezi'nde uygulamaya başlandı.
- Whitley AwardUnited Kingdom
2014
- UNDP Equator PrizeUnited States
2017
- Whitley Gold AwardUnited Kingdom
- Sabancı Foundation Changemakers Awardİstanbul
2019
2022
- Marsh Charitable Trust Marine Conservation Leadership AwardUnited Kingdom
2023
- Goldman Environmental PrizeUnited States
2025
- Mediterranean Guardian Award, Bluewave AllianceSpain
The team protecting the Mediterranean together
A shared effort in the field, spanning science and communication, coastal patrols and project management.
- 4
- Board of Directors
- 16
- Team
- 8
- Board of Trustees
Where we work in the field
LocationDatça-Bozburun
A long-term conservation area that addresses rich marine biodiversity, coastal culture and small-scale fishing together.
LocationGökova Bay
A bay that is home to about 73% of the fish species recorded in Turkish waters, has been protected by six no-take zones since 2010 and is held up as an example to the world today.
LocationFethiye-Göcek
One of Türkiye's special environmental protection areas: a gulf that is home to about 1,500 species, including the Mediterranean monk seal and the dusky grouper, and protected by no-fishing zones since 2020.
LocationKaş-Kekova
A Special Environmental Protection Area of which 92 km² is sea; home to about 1,000 marine species, the Mediterranean monk seal and sea turtles.
Organisations we work with
Conservation is a long-term partnership. A selection of the organisations we work alongside in the field, in science and in fundraising.
