Awareness of Endemic Plants through Science Communication
The ‘Yalova Endemic Plants Awareness Project’, carried out in collaboration between the Yalova University Science Communication Office and Yalova Mehmet Akif Ersoy Middle School, was implemented as an exemplary application in the transfer of scientific knowledge to society.
Within the scope of the project, 29 endemic plant species found only in Yalova were introduced through materials and scientific content prepared by the students.
The event was attended by Yalova Deputy Governors Mehmet Bahattin Atçı and Osman Sarı, Yalova Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Colonel Ercan Altın, Yalova Deputy Mayor Mesut Tutuğ, Yalova University Vice-Rector Prof. Taner Tatar, Yalova Provincial Director of Nature Conservation and National Parks Nevzat Alğan, faculty members Prof. Müttalip Gündoğdu, Assoc. Prof. Gül Yücel, Lecturer Merve Tanfer, and Specialist Biologist Esra Keskin Üzel.
The programme was also attended by Associate Professor Kaan Diyarbakırlıoğlu, Coordinator of the Science Communication Office, and Assistant Coordinator Dr. Lecturer Seçkin Arpalıer, who provided academic support for the science communication process.
Understanding Nature through Science Communication
Turkey ranks among the world's richest countries in terms of plant diversity. The endemism rate in our country is 34.4%, indicating that one in every three plants grows only on Turkish soil.
The ‘Terrestrial and Inland Water Ecosystems Biological Diversity Inventory and Monitoring Project’ conducted by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks in Yalova has identified 29 endemic plant species.
To protect this richness, a ‘Cooperation Protocol for the Propagation of Yalova's Endemic Plants’ has been signed between the Rectorate of Yalova University and the Provincial Directorate of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.
This project, based on scientific principles, aimed to bring science communication to the public and developed students' scientific observation and presentation skills through university-school collaboration.
Students Raised Awareness Through Scientific Observation
As part of the project, students from Yalova Mehmet Akif Ersoy Middle School observed and photographed endemic plants in the field under the guidance of experts from the Yalova DKMP Provincial Directorate.
Based on their findings, the students prepared informative posters, display boards and visual materials, sharing their work with the public at the ‘Endemic Plants Awareness Exhibition’ held at Engelsiz Kafe.
The exhibition also featured herbarium specimens and scientific data from the DKMP Directorate.
Science Teacher Begüm Bozkurt stated the following in her remarks about the project:
‘Our students took nature outside the classroom; they developed their scientific observation and communication skills. With the guidance of the Science Communication Office, each of them became a nature observer. This exhibition is a promising step towards raising generations who love and protect nature.’
Academics' Scientific and Social Contribution
Yalova University faculty member Prof. Müttalip Gündoğdu stated that the protection of endemic plants is a cultural and scientific responsibility, adding,
"It is very important to instil this awareness at an early age. Endemic species only live in specific regions; they cannot survive when transferred to another ecology. Yalova is a very valuable centre in this sense,"
he said.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Yücel, one of the project leaders, drew attention to the scientific studies conducted in Yalova University laboratories, saying,
“We are very happy that our Endemic Plants Collection Garden has become sustainable. Raising our students with this awareness is the best investment we can make for the future.”
‘We Have Built a Bridge Connecting Science with Society’
Assoc. Prof. Kaan Diyarbakırlıoğlu, Coordinator of the Science Communication Office, stated that within the scope of the project, students became not only observers but also producers of scientific content, adding,
"Science communication ensures that knowledge meets society. With this project, students did not just learn science, they became ambassadors who conveyed it to society. As Yalova University, we will continue to support such efforts that bring science to society,"
he said.
Sustainability Emphasis from the Science Communication Office
Yalova University's Science Communication Office continues to raise awareness on environmental awareness, sustainability, and social responsibility through its activities aimed at promoting science in interaction with society.
Projects carried out with local educational institutions, civil society organisations, and public institutions aim to spread the culture of scientific thinking.
