Policy on Terrestrial Ecosystem Conservation and Species Protection

1. Purpose:
This policy aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests, mountains, and drylands, within and around Sakarya University’s campus. It also focuses on the protection of species listed in the IUCN Red List and national conservation lists that inhabit the campus area, ensuring their monitoring and sustainable ecosystem management.

2. Scope:
This policy applies to all terrestrial ecosystems on campus and any associated natural areas affected by university activities. It covers species conservation, particularly those listed as endangered or threatened, such as the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), European badger (Meles meles), Anatolian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), golden jackal (Canis aureus), and hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor).

3. Principles:

• Conservation and Development: Sakarya University will prioritize the protection of biodiversity in campus ecosystems, maintaining natural habitats, and ensuring their sustainable use for future generations.
• Restoration Activities: The university will engage in restoration projects for ecosystems that have been degraded due to natural or human activities. These efforts will restore vegetation, prevent soil erosion, and revive natural habitats to support local wildlife.
• Sustainable Management: The sustainable use of forests, mountains, and drylands will be pursued through collaboration among relevant university departments, external stakeholders, and local communities. The goal is to balance ecological conservation with social and economic needs.
• Sustainable Food Sourcing: To support the sustainable use of land, the university will ensure that food served on campus is sourced sustainably, prioritizing locally grown, seasonal produce that minimizes environmental impact.
• Protection of IUCN Red Listed and National Conservation Species: The university will identify, monitor, and protect species listed in the IUCN Red List and national conservation lists that inhabit the campus. Regular monitoring of these species will be conducted using camera traps and other technologies to track populations and habitat conditions.
• Alien Species Management: Sakarya University will implement policies to reduce the impact of invasive alien species on campus ecosystems. Efforts will include early detection, monitoring, and management of non-native species to protect the integrity of local biodiversity.
• Scientific Research and Education: The university will continue to support scientific research projects focused on the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and endangered species. Educational programs will raise awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity among students, staff, and the local community.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Regular data collection on the population and health of protected species will be conducted. These data will be used to assess the effectiveness of conservation actions and shared with relevant environmental organizations and stakeholders.

4. Responsibilities:
The implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the university's environmental departments and research centers. These units will coordinate efforts to monitor, conserve, and manage species and ecosystems, providing reports to university management and external environmental bodies as needed.

5. Review:
This policy will be reviewed periodically to incorporate new environmental data and scientific developments. It will align with national and international conservation standards to ensure the ongoing protection of terrestrial ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.