Yolda, a member of the BiodivEarth Community of Practice, has published a new book presenting the results of a comprehensive research project that explores the coexistence of biodiversity conservation and small-scale fisheries along Türkiye’s Aegean coasts.
Titled A Cultural Landscapes Based Assessment: Coexistence of Nature and Culture in Aegean Coasts of Türkiye, the book is grounded in the idea that nature and culture can reinforce one another. While biodiversity conservation and small-scale fisheries often face similar threats, they are frequently addressed in isolation. This publication brings the two together through a nature-culture mutuality perspective, emphasizing the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of small-scale fisheries when practiced sustainably.
Based on a two-year, participatory research process, the book integrates biodiversity data with small-scale fisheries information to identify priority areas for future conservation investment. Rather than focusing only on ecological value or threat levels, the study also considers the extent of previous conservation efforts, helping to highlight areas that are both highly important and under-supported.
Using a multi-criteria spatial analysis framework, the research combines national and international datasets with expert knowledge and local input. The analysis was conducted at a 1×1 km grid scale and includes indicators such as key marine habitats and species, fishing practices, catch efficiency, marine pollution, and social dimensions of fisheries.
The findings identify Saros Bay, Ayvalık, and Ildır Bay as priority regions where biodiversity conservation and small-scale fisheries support can be advanced together. Among these, Saros Bay stands out with the largest concentration of priority areas. Designed as a practical and accessible resource, the book aims to support policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and donors in developing more integrated, equitable, and effective marine conservation and restoration strategies in Türkiye’s Aegean region.
The book is now available to the public. Readers are invited to access, download, and share the publication, and to use its findings to inform conservation planning, research, and policy development that support both marine biodiversity and small-scale fishing communities.
We congratulate Yolda on this important publication and are truly impressed by the depth and quality of their work!
