Cultural, Ecological, and Economic Rejuvenation of the Eastern Black Sea Region

About this grant

The project goal is to strengthen civic engagement and community development in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. To this end, the project activities will focus on strengthening the organizational and programmatic capacity of the Yayla (Gola) Culture, Arts, and Ecology Association, a Turkish nonprofit association, to support civic leaders, young people, local community groups, and other stakeholders in this region. Since 2006, the grantee has organized an annual cultural and ecological festival in the region that highlights the region’s unique history, culture, and natural resources and brings national and international expertise and attention to both the region’s rich heritage and its challenges. The grantee also has organized workshops and educational opportunities to support sustainable, local community development in the region. During the grant period, the grantee will build upon this past work and prepare for its longer-term engagement in the region by relocating its main office and operations from Istanbul to the region and deepening its connections with local communities and other stakeholders. Established in 2006, the grantee is currently based in Istanbul, Turkey.