Türkiye Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA)

TEMA Foundation (Türkiye Erosion Control, Afforestation and Natural Heritage Protection Foundation) is a non-profit civil society organization dedicated to the protection of soil and natural resources in Türkiye. It was established on September 11, 1992, in response to an urgent need to combat erosion.

Establishment and Purpose

The foundations of the TEMA Foundation were laid by business leaders Hayrettin Karaca and Nihat Gökyiğit. Its founding narrative is rooted in the idea of mobilizing civil society to address the severe erosion crisis Türkiye faced in the 1990s. Observing the threat of desertification particularly in rural areas, the founders believed a formal institutional structure was necessary to defend nature. The Foundation argues that by protecting the soil as an integral part of nature, both natural heritage and future generations can be safeguarded.

Reason for Existence and Core Principles

The purpose of the TEMA Foundation is to halt desertification of Türkiye’s land, preserve biological diversity and natural resources, promote a sustainable lifestyle, and foster ecological awareness across all segments of society. To achieve these goals, the Foundation conducts education, advocacy, scientific research, and field projects.

Organizational Structure

The decision-making bodies of the TEMA Foundation include the Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees, the Science Council, and various specialized commissions. The Board of Trustees provides the strategic framework for the Foundation’s long-term vision. The Science Council ensures the scientific validity of projects through academic advisory support. The Board of Directors is responsible for the Foundation’s daily administrative and strategic decisions.

Founding Figures of the TEMA Foundation: “Toprak Dede” and “Yaprak Dede”

Hayrettin Karaca

Hayrettin Karaca, born in 1922 in Bandırma, Balıkesir, assumed management responsibilities at his family’s company, Karaca Textile, at a young age and became an industrialist. From the 1970s onward, he drew attention to environmental issues across Türkiye, including erosion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and desertification.

Hayrettin Karaca - Anadolu Agency

In the 1980s, he established the Karaca Arboretum in Yalova, Türkiye’s first private arboretum. This arboretum, home to over 7,000 plant species, served as a center for scientific and conservation purposes.

In 1992, together with A. Nihat Gökyiğit, he co-founded the TEMA Foundation, leading initiatives in erosion control, biodiversity conservation, identification of monumental trees, and the development of sustainable development projects at the village level. Karaca passed away on January 20, 2020.

Ali Nihat Gökyiğit

Ali Nihat Gökyiğit, born in 1925 in Artvin, spent his childhood immersed in nature. In 1956, he became one of the founding members of TEKFEN Holding. His environmental activities gained prominence especially with the establishment of the TEMA Foundation.

Ali Nihat Gökyiğit - Anadolu Agency

Gökyiğit contributed significantly to the conservation of the Borçka district in Artvin through the Camili Project. As a result of his efforts, the Camili Basin was designated Türkiye’s first and only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Also active in the fields of art and culture, Gökyiğit founded the Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1995, to honor the memory of his wife Aliye Gökyiğit, he established the Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden. Ali Nihat Gökyiğit passed away on January 25, 2023.

Awards

Ali Nihat Gökyiğit received numerous awards from institutions and countries. These include the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Government, the Turkish Grand National Assembly Outstanding Service Award, the “Environment” themed award from the Galatasaray Association (2021), honorary consulships from Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, and honorary doctorates from Çukurova University, Boğaziçi University, and Gazi Osman Paşa University.

Volunteerism and Public Participation

The Foundation is built on a volunteer-based structure. As of 2023, TEMA has over one million volunteers and an organized presence in all 81 provinces of Türkiye. Through provincial representative offices, district-level responsibilities, Young TEMA, and School TEMA programs, individuals of all ages are enabled to actively engage in environmental advocacy.

Areas of Activity and Projects

The TEMA Foundation operates in four main areas:

1. Educational Activities

TEMA offers environmental education programs targeting different age groups from children to adults. In 2023, environmental education initiatives reached over three million people across all levels, from preschool to university.

2. Afforestation and Field Projects

To date, the Foundation has organized the planting of millions of saplings across Türkiye and implemented numerous rural development and ecological restoration projects. Notable projects carried out in 2023 include the Bal Forest Project, Conservation of Endemic Species, and Wildlife Corridors.

3. Policy and Advocacy

TEMA contributes to the development of environmental legislation and engages in legal efforts to protect natural areas. The Foundation plays an active role in defending forest lands against threats such as mining activities, hydroelectric power plant projects, and unplanned urbanization.

4. Scientific Research and Reports

The Foundation produces and publishes scientific data through academic collaborations on topics such as erosion, climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural resource management. This data aims to guide policymakers and inform the public.

Economic Enterprise and Resource Management

In addition to donations, the TEMA Foundation generates income through its own economic enterprises, ensuring the sustainable operation of its activities. In line with principles of transparency and accountability, the Foundation regularly publishes activity reports and keeps the public informed.