After the large-scale forest fires of 2021 and 2022, Marmaris reached a serious turning point for both its terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The erosion and sedimentation that increased after the fires degraded the water quality of Marmaris Bay and put the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows — critical to the Mediterranean ecosystem — under threat. The SEAMAR Project was born to act against this.
What is SEAMAR?
SEAMAR — the project for Restoring the Marine Ecosystem and Building Climate Resilience in Marmaris — is being delivered with the joint funding of the European Union and the Republic of Türkiye. The project is coordinated by Marmaris Municipality and carried out in partnership with the Mediterranean Conservation Society and the Development and Future Impact Association (KAGED).
The core vision of the project is not limited to technical interventions alone. We believe the most lasting way to protect the sea is to involve the community in the process.
What We Do
SEAMAR works along four core axes:
- 01
Raising awareness
We meet with local people, fishers, tourism-sector representatives and schools to share the environmental state of Marmaris Bay and the need to protect it.
- 02
Capacity building
We run trainings on sustainable practices, adaptation to climate change and ecosystem protection. Over the course of the project we aim to reach at least 400 fishers and 150 tourism-sector representatives.
- 03
Citizen science
By involving local people in monitoring and data-collection, we make conservation a matter for the whole community.
- 04
Public participation
We support the active role of women and young people in environmental processes, developing original mechanisms such as the Young Climate Ambassadors Programme and the Women’s Leadership Programme.
What Has Happened So Far?
14 April 2026
An information event brought together local people, public institutions, civil society, academics and sector representatives. The level of attendance made the interest in the future of Marmaris Bay clearly visible.
13 May 2026
As part of the project’s fieldwork, a marine survey was carried out. This documented the current state of the marine habitat in Marmaris Bay, creating a baseline dataset for the monitoring activities to come.
Stronger Together
SEAMAR aims to protect the sea of Marmaris not only for today but for future generations. Along the way, the contribution of local communities, volunteers, institutions and sector representatives will be decisive at every step.
To learn more about the project, take part in its activities or join the volunteer network, please get in touch with us.
