Sakarya University, located along the shores of Sapanca Lake, one of Türkiye’s most vital freshwater reservoirs, actively promotes the protection of aquatic ecosystems and sustainable water management. Positioned in a region rich with rivers, wetlands, and floodplains, the university integrates water-related sustainability education into research, teaching, and community service, fostering awareness among students and society.
Faculty members from the Environmental Engineering, Biology, and Chemistry Departments lead studies on aquatic ecology, water pollution control, sustainable aquaculture, and ecosystem restoration. Courses such as Aquatic Ecology, Water Pollution Control, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Environmental Biotechnology, Marine Pollution Control, and Sustainable Water Management train students to understand the complexity of freshwater ecosystems and responsible water use.
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| Educational Program Examples for Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems | |
Educational Program Examples for Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems
Water Pollution Control – addressing sources, effects, and treatment of contaminants in aquatic systems.
Aquatic Ecology – focusing on biological interactions and biodiversity in freshwater and marine environments.
Fisheries and Aquaculture – emphasizing sustainable production and environmental protection in aquaculture.
Environmental Biotechnology – exploring innovative technologies for wastewater and sludge management.
Marine and Freshwater Pollution – investigating pollutant behavior and remediation methods.
Sakarya University implements diverse initiatives promoting water awareness and conservation. One of the most impactful is the Erasmus+ Project “Water for Life, Water for Future”, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik in collaboration with the Spain National Agency. This project, continued through 2024, provided educational programs and workshops on sustainable water management, targeting both university students and the local community.
In October 2023, Sakarya University hosted a live-streamed awareness event titled “Memorable Moments – Introducing the Biodiversity of Sakarya Acarlar Floodplain and the Importance of Floodplain Ecosystems,” attracting hundreds of online participants and local school groups. The event highlighted the ecological significance of floodplain ecosystems and their role in biodiversity conservation.
The university also supports TÜBİTAK 2209-A student research projects, including the “Aquatic Biodiversity Monitoring in Sapanca Watershed” initiative. This project utilized camera traps and biological indexing to study species distribution, contributing valuable data to the university’s biodiversity monitoring database.
Gamified Water Pollution Simulation Workshop
Sakarya University launched the “Gamified Water Pollution Simulation Workshop”, designed to increase environmental awareness through interactive learning. Conducted by environmental engineering students and supported by SASKİ, this program teaches local high school students about sources of pollution and real-time monitoring of water parameters.
Additionally, faculty members regularly participate in national symposiums and regional seminars organized with SASKİ and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, ensuring that scientific findings are shared directly with policymakers and practitioners.
Sakarya University extends its educational reach to the local and national levels through seminars, school programs, and media appearances focused on responsible fishing, IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing prevention, and the ecological value of freshwater ecosystems. Outreach programs are held in collaboration with municipal water authorities, TEMA Foundation, and local NGOs, emphasizing citizen participation in conserving water resources.
Through these combined educational, research, and community activities, Sakarya University fosters a culture of sustainability aligned with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The university continues to play a leading role in integrating water protection into both academic and social dimensions, ensuring the preservation of aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
