Sakarya University actively supports and organizes events to promote the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and marine resources. Leveraging its location near Sapanca Lake, the university conducts a variety of training programs and community events focused on responsible management of freshwater ecosystems, fisheries, and aquaculture. In 2024, several awareness workshops were also organized within the Science&Future – The Science for Stronger Societies project, emphasizing water sustainability and biodiversity protection in collaboration with local schools and municipalities [URL].
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, aquatic food must be obtained from fisheries that operate within sustainable harvest limits. This reflects the university's strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices within its community.
Sakarya University also engages in research and industry collaborations to maintain and enhance existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, particularly those under threat. Key projects 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 safeguarding this critical wetland ecosystem [URL].
Prof. Dr. Tuğba Ongun Sevindik’s studies published in Biologia (2023), Community Ecology (2023), and Ecohydrology (2023), focusing on diatom community structure, ecological status, and bioindicators in lakes and rivers of the Sakarya Basin[URL].
Sakarya University also advances technologies and sustainable practices that help the marine and freshwater industries minimize their environmental footprint. Through collaborations with SASKİ and other governmental institutions, the university promotes sustainable water treatment, pollution control, and ecosystem restoration.
For example, Dr. Sezercan Bektaş and Research Assistant Görkem Kayacık from the Faculty of Law conducted an analysis of the United Nations draft agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, contributing to global marine protection efforts [URL].
Through these combined initiatives, Sakarya University demonstrates its ongoing commitment to preserving aquatic biodiversity, advancing scientific research, and promoting sustainable water resource management across local, national, and international levels.
