Campaign Status

Ongoing Offline: The campaign is currently ongoing offline and, thus still in the process of collecting funds. 

Summary

The campaign aims to preserve 90% of the native olive trees uprooted from construction sites in Kahramanmaraş by replanting them in new locations, and to fund the research of five young researchers who will work in this field.

Challenge

The destruction of native olive trees during construction projects in Kahramanmaraş poses a significant threat to local biodiversity, cultural heritage, and economic potential.

• Widespread Tree Loss: Construction activities frequently necessitate the removal of mature olive trees, leading to the loss of irreplaceable genetic diversity within native olive species.
• Erosion of Cultural Identity: Olive trees are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Kahramanmaraş, and their decline represents a loss of heritage and traditional knowledge.
• Missed Economic Opportunities: Native olive varieties hold immense potential for developing unique, high-value olive products, yet their disappearance undermines this economic advantage.

Current Limitations:

• Limited Replanting Efforts: Current practices often fail to adequately compensate for tree loss, resulting in a net decrease in olive tree cover.
• Lack of Research: Insufficient research exists on the specific characteristics and propagation methods of native olive varieties, hindering their conservation and cultivation.
• Land Availability: Finding suitable land for replanting these trees can be challenging due to competition and limited resources.

Solution

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, Kahramanmaraş boasts a hidden treasure: unique, native olive species that have thrived there for centuries. These precious trees, acting as a transit point for olive diversity, imbue the local olives with a distinct character, a flavor whispered through generations. We believe in the extraordinary potential of these local olives. By safeguarding these native varieties, we preserve not just a delicious fruit, but a biodiversity hotspot and a cultural legacy.

Through protection, cultivation, and research, we can unlock the secrets of these ancient trees, ensuring their rich flavors continue to grace our tables for generations to come.

This crowdfunding campaign aims to address these challenges by:

• Rescuing and replanting olive trees cut down during construction projects on dedicated rented land.
• Conducting research on the propagation, cultivation, and unique qualities of native olive varieties.
• Developing sustainable practices for the conservation and valorization of these precious trees. 

By implementing this solution, we aim to:

• Conserve and enhance biodiversity in Kahramanmaraş, preserving the irreplaceable genetic heritage of native olive species.
• Protect and celebrate cultural identity, strengthening the connection between generations and the land.
• Unlock economic potential by developing high-value olive products based on unique native varieties.

Donate to this impactful campaign via the bank accounts below:

• TR45 0001 5001 5804 8023 9566 94 (EURO)
• TR 18 0001 5001 5804 8023 9566 95 (USD)