Project Partners

General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion – GDCDE
(Çölleşme ve Erozyonla Mücadele Genel Müdürlüğü – CEM) (Türkiye)

The General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion (GDCDE), under Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, is responsible for combating desertification, land degradation, and erosion, as well as mitigating natural disaster risks such as floods and landslides. As Türkiye’s national focal point to the UNCCD, GDCDE coordinates international commitments and leads the implementation of the 2024–2030 Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification.

The Directorate develops and implements sustainable land and watershed management projects, supports afforestation and erosion control activities, conducts research in cooperation with academic institutions, and promotes awareness and capacity building. It also utilizes satellite and remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring.

Through nationally and internationally funded projects, including initiatives supported by GEF and FAO, GDCDE contributes to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) target setting and implementation. With strong national and international partnerships, the Directorate promotes sustainable land management and knowledge sharing at both national and global levels.

Kastamonu University (KU)
(Türkiye)

Established in 2006, Kastamonu University (KU) is a dynamic higher education institution recognized for its academic excellence and contribution to regional development. With 15 faculties, 3 institutes, 2 higher education schools, and 13 vocational schools, KU offers a wide range of programs and fosters an active campus life.
As Türkiye’s only university specializing in forestry and nature tourism, KU plays a significant role in sustainability and regional development. It aligns its academic programs with labor market needs and promotes strong cooperation with external stakeholders. Committed to internationalization, KU maintains over 120 bilateral agreements and actively participates in programs such as Erasmus and Mevlana. Its achievements are reflected in international rankings, including THE Asia University Rankings, QS Europe (Western Asia), and UI GreenMetric for sustainability.

Fondazione European Research Institute ETS (ERI)
(Italy)

Founded in 2011 in Turin, Italy, the European Research Institute (ERI) ETS is a non-profit organization promoting research, innovation, and sustainable development in social, environmental, and technological fields. ERI works to strengthen social inclusion, equity, cultural diversity, and environmental protection across Europe.

The organization focuses on environmental sustainability, circular economy, energy, and ICT, developing innovative tools for risk management, biodiversity protection, and sustainable urban and rural planning. With extensive experience in European project design and implementation, ERI collaborates closely with public institutions, startups, and local businesses through its multidisciplinary expert team and international network.

Regional Centre for Forestry and Rural Development (REFORD)
(North Macedonia)

REFORD – Regional Center for Forestry and Rural Development (https://refordcentre.org/
is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in North Macedonia in 2010. Its mission is to promote rural development and achieve broader social interest in supporting sustainable management of natural resources. REFORD works to empower rural communities by sharing new technologies, experiences, and best practices, strengthening social and economic capacities, and building the capabilities of local organizations and institutions. The organization also emphasizes collaboration and networking with similar organizations, individuals, donors, and institutions to achieve its goals.

REFORD actively supports private forest owners across the Balkans through its “Balkan Network” cooperation platform, which currently includes national organizations from Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Starting in 2024, REFORD will serve as the national body for the administration of the PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification) system in North Macedonia, further advancing sustainable forest management in the region.

Since its establishment, REFORD has implemented numerous projects and contracts with a wide range of international partners and donors, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the United States Forest Service (USFS), the CIVICA program (SDC-funded), the PEFC Council, the European Union (Interreg V-B Balkan-Mediterranean Programme 2014–2020), SNV – the Netherlands Development Organization, and the CNVP Foundation. Through these collaborations, REFORD continues to foster knowledge exchange, capacity building, and sustainable rural and forestry development in North Macedonia and the wider Balkan region.

Ankara Intercultural Research Association (AKAD-AIRA) (Türkiye)

Ankara Intercultural Research Association (AKAD-AIRA) was established on February 18, 2021, in Ankara, Türkiye, with the mission to promote civil society initiatives and foster intercultural research and interaction. The association was founded by a group of seven professionals, including architects, engineers, dietitians, and academics, and currently has 16 members, including five board members and three audit board members.

AKAD works to strengthen intercultural understanding, social inclusion, and community engagement through research, workshops, training programs, and awareness-raising activities. The association collaborates with local and international partners, educational institutions, NGOs, and public organizations to implement projects that support social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development.

By creating opportunities for research, dialogue, and community involvement, AKAD aims to enhance civil society activities, empower diverse communities, and contribute to building inclusive and resilient societies both locally and globally.

Mixtura Ambiental
(Spain)

Mixtura Ambiental (www.mixtura-ambiental.org) is a non-profit association composed of 20 multidisciplinary experts, including researchers in natural and social sciences, artists, and local agents, with a special focus on women and vulnerable groups. The organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable transitions, particularly in rural areas and the Global South, by combining scientific research, traditional knowledge, and cultural expression.

Mixtura Ambiental works to empower communities and vulnerable populations to address pressing socio-environmental challenges such as desertification and land degradation. By integrating natural and social sciences with local knowledge and cultural practices, the association supports innovative and sustainable solutions that are both context-specific and community-driven. Additionally, Mixtura emphasizes the preservation of cultural diversity, recognizing its vital role in maintaining biological diversity and ecological resilience.

Through its research, community engagement, and cultural initiatives, Mixtura Ambiental contributes to sustainable development, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship, helping communities navigate transitions toward more resilient and equitable futures.