When their instructor encourages them by saying, “Come on!” each gets close to a tree. First, they touch trees with their fingertips, then hug them. Some children daydream by closing their eyes, and some smile happily. Although not the first contact with nature, this is one of the most memorable.

The children go back to the Yıldız Mountains Natural Education Centre in Dereköy, Kırklareli, after a tour in the forest. This is the first fully equipped nature education centre in Türkiye. In the centre, where there are many facilities such as a garden, classroom, game room, dormitory and dining hall, children between the ages of 9 and 16 are given education about biodiversity, lifestyle in the region, recognising and protecting nature. The centre, which has been active for 13 years, is open to children not only living in Türkiye but also in neighbouring countries. So much such that 1,690 children have been so far trained in the centre, including those from Bulgaria.

“I learned and had fun”

Children are very impressed by the Nature Education Center. Here are the notes some left when they left: "I like it a lot. I learned and had fun. I would stay another five days.” “Everything has been thought of. It was very nice that the food was prepared and served from the village, and natural foods were served.” “I liked it very much, and I was thrilled. Thank you for such an event.”

345 endemic plant species are registered

The Yıldız Mountains Natural Education Centre was established in 2010 as a part of the “Protection and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources and Biodiversity in the Yıldız Mountains" Project.

“The project aimed to protect the natural resources and biodiversity of the Yıldız Mountains with a biosphere reserve approach to ensure their sustainability and contribute to local people's development. All actions were focused on achieving these goals. The Natural Education Centre was also a tool to achieve these goals. We are moving towards our goals. For years, the Nature Education Center has been raising awareness about the biological diversity and natural and socio-cultural values of the Yıldız Mountains, offering many children love and knowledge of nature,” says Project Manager Nihan Yenilmez Arpa.

A new plant species discovered

Nihan Yenilmez Arpa also emphasises the importance of the region in terms of biodiversity and adds, “There are nine woodpecker species belonging to the Woodpecker family (Picidae) in Türkiye and six of which are seen in the Yıldız Mountains.”

Within the scope of the project carried out by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, extensive basic inventory studies were carried out, and in the 130,000-hectare part of the Yıldız Mountains, priority areas for protection in terms of biodiversity have been identified. 12 areas were determined as hot spots. 345 plant species were recorded in and around the project area for the first time. The flora inventory currently includes 1,377 species. A new plant species was discovered with this project; 7 plant species were newly registered in Türkiye, 14 species were added to the Thrace flora, and 16 endemic species were recorded.

Inventory records of 26 caves were made in the area, and 50 animal species were recorded in these caves. 117 butterflies, 39 freshwater and 25 marine fish species, and 258 bird species were recorded as a result of the inventory studies. It has been revealed once again that old forests have high biodiversity.

Breathable air, drinkable water and clean soil

Local people have been satisfied with the EU-supported project. “Natural Education Centre has brought economic vitality to our village, more or less,” states Ufuk Kan, a driver. Emphasising the success of the project Bülent Özkaya, farmer, says: “The best legacy we can leave to the next generations is breathable air, drinkable water and clean soil.”

Photos by Erdem Kırım

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