2025 was a year in which we witnessed even more destruction of nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Our only power against the destruction was “our ability to remain together.”
The word of the year was ‘Sumud’, meaning resilience, persistence, and determination. We experienced so much ruin that made us realise we will never give up! From Palestine to the Amazon, from Akbelen to Kırşehir, and from Kaş to Melet, these resistances brought us closer to our own nature.
Following the previous year’s legislation targeting stray animals, this year saw legal amendments granting privileges to mining and energy companies. However, this process did not deter us; on the contrary, it united those who defend the rights of nature.
Throughout this period, our association remained active across many fronts: from research to lawsuits, from parliament to the mountains, from cross-border collaborations to rural villages, and from scientists to farmers.
We launched a major insulation project across the migration corridor stretching from Thrace to Adana. Power lines that previously caused fatalities through electrocution are now being made safe.
Scientific studies to provide new habitats for the Hatay Mountain Gazelles have been completed. We look forward to seeing them thrive in a new region in Gaziantep.
Our documentaries, which tell the story of the struggle for the rights of olive groves and Anatolia’s culture of production in harmony with nature, received prestigious awards. “Döngü” (The Cycle), directed by Bulut Renas Kaçan and produced by Doğa Derneği, won an award at the 32nd International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, while the documentary “Çağ” (The Era) was honoured at the 8th Natural Life Festival.
Our nature, which teaches us how to heal, is our greatest source of inspiration. We began our first attempts to restore damaged habitats, starting with wet meadows. In these areas, which also serve as pastures, we work alongside shepherds and perform ecological plantations using local seeds. We are also collaborating with scientists to develop plans to reduce grazing pressure on biodiversity.
Through Doğa’s Shop, a project initiated for nature conservation, we supported 71 producer families with 50 different products sourced from 17 Key Biodiversity Areas and Indigenous Production Landscapes. We delivered eco-friendly products to thousands of people while generating independent funding for our association.
We kept the public informed through hundreds of original pieces of content and 13 press releases throughout the year. On our “Yeryüzü Tanığı” (Earth Witness) program on Açık Radio, we discussed the rights of nature and coexistence over 22 episodes. Our Instagram content reached 14.2 million people, our X (Twitter) posts reached 1.7 million, and our Facebook posts reached 4.3 million. Our YouTube channel grew to 7,512 subscribers.
We remember those we lost in 2025 with deep gratitude. We will follow in the footsteps of Sevil Eken’s teaching that “nature is truth” and amplify the inspiration she gave us. Remembering Yücel Sönmez, who always stood by those who resist, we will continue to report the news of nature. We will never stop asking, “What happened to journalist Hakan Tosun?” Following the path of Zehra Yıldırım from İkizköy, we will continue the struggle until the very last olive tree remains.
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