Sakarya University actively supports and organizes events to promote conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and marine resources. Leveraging its location near Sapanca Lake, the university conducts various training programs and events focused on responsible management of freshwater ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture.
For example, Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik has contributed to marine resource conservation through her work on the national project “Taxonomic Examination of Diatoms in the Acidic Lakes of Çan District, Çanakkale Province.” These initiatives foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship within local and national communities, emphasizing the importance of protecting and responsibly utilizing aquatic resources for future generations [URL].
Sakarya University has implemented a policy to ensure that all aquatic food served on campus is sourced sustainably. According to the university's cafeteria agreement rules, food must be obtained from aquatic ecosystems with sustainable harvest opportunities. This policy reflects the university's commitment to environmental responsibility and the promotion of sustainable practices within its community.
Sakarya University actively engages in research and collaborates with industries to maintain and enhance existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, particularly those under threat. Key projects and studies include:
Prof. Dr. Ali Uzun’s collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change on the "Uzungöl Special Environmental Protection Area Management Plan Revision" project, aimed at protecting a critical natural habitat [URL].
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik’s study, "Temporal and spatial changes in diatom community structure with the effects of environmental parameters, and ecological status assessment by diatom indices in three shallow lakes (Sakarya, Turkey)," published in Biologia, 2023, 78, 373–387 [URL].
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik’s research, "Ecological status estimation of minimally disturbed rivers of the Western Mediterranean Basin (Türkiye) using diatom indices," published in Community Ecology, 2023, 24:243–255 [URL].
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik’s study, "Using diatom indices to estimate the ecological status of minimally disturbed rivers of the Sakarya River Basin (Türkiye)," published in Ecohydrology, 2023, 16(7), e2568 [URL].
Through these individual projects, Sakarya University demonstrates its commitment to preserving vulnerable ecosystems and promoting biodiversity through rigorous scientific research and industry collaboration.
Sakarya University actively works on technologies and practices that help the marine industry minimize or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems. Through research collaborations with industries and government bodies, the university focuses on developing sustainable approaches to manage and protect aquatic environments. Faculty members conduct studies on water treatment, pollution control, and sustainable fishing practices, providing insights that support environmentally responsible operations in the marine industry.
For example, Dr. Sezercan Bektaş and Research Assistant Görkem Kayacık from the Public Law Department at Sakarya University authored an analysis of the United Nations draft agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This work supports global efforts in marine conservation and demonstrates the university’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices that protect aquatic ecosystems [URL].
