WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED OUR NEW PROJECT, THE ACADEMY OF LIVING WITH NATURE

The Nature and Life Academy, organized in collaboration with TED University and the EGET Foundation, and offering high-quality theoretical and practical training with a limited number of students, took place at the TOVAK International Marmaris Academy in Marmaris/Turunç between July 3-10, 2023.

The Nature and Life Academy aimed to provide a scientific and enjoyable learning experience on sustainability and living in harmony with nature for higher education students aged 18-35 through theoretical training and practical workshops.

Theoretical trainings provided a comprehensive framework on how sustainability is addressed in different academic disciplines from a multidisciplinary perspective, while also enabling participants to develop awareness of various dimensions of sustainability.

We discussed sustainability and living in harmony with nature at the intersection of various disciplines such as literature, philology, sociology, archaeology, ethnography, anthropology, political science, economics, and agricultural engineering.

Practical workshops, providing opportunities for learning by doing and experiencing, brought together best practice models for a more sustainable lifestyle. Field visits also provided an opportunity to experience good practices firsthand.

New friendships were formed after theoretical training and practical workshops. We enjoyed the sea and sun together in Turunç, experiencing the spirit of civil society.

DAY 1

Our first day at the Nature and Life Academy was extraordinary!

We started with impressive opening events and get-together games that brought the community together. Throughout the day, we held discussions on the principles of living in harmony with nature and sustainability, and environmental theories.

The day continued with an olive mythology and tasting workshop, and we concluded it in a peaceful setting on the Turunç beach, where we talked about our responsibility to create a greener and more sustainable world.

Here is a summary of our event-filled first day:

Opening and Get-Together Events: Müge Bakioğlu

Life with Nature and Sustainability: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Can, EGET Foundation Board Chairman Özlem Uzman and TOVAK Foundation President Ali Turan

Environmental Theories in Literature: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ağın

Olive Mythology and Olive Oil Discovery and Tasting Workshop: Süleyman Kurnaz

Beach Talk

DAY 2

Let's take a look at today's events

We started the day with the "Dance of the Elements" event guided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gizem Yılmaz.

In a session on "Environmental Economic Politics" with Müge Bakioğlu, we delved into the complex relationship between the economy and the environment.

Necla Dal shared "Environmentally Friendly Living Tips" with us. We learned practical applications to develop a sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Aylin Bal took us on a magical journey with her natural coloring workshop. We learned how to add color to fabrics sustainably by exploring the colorful world of natural dyes. "Music Night" came alive with the enchanting melodies of nature. We commemorated the great poet Nâzım Hikmet with the impressive performance of our state theater artist Boğaçhan Sözmen. DAY 3

EGET Foundation Permaculture Garden Visit: We learned about the principles and applications of permaculture from Necla Dal.

EGET Foundation Armutçuk Organic Farm – Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Workshop: Under the guidance of Çiğdem Kuş, we learned about sustainable agriculture of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Worm Compost and Compost Workshop: In this impressive workshop led by Necla Dal, we learned how to make worm compost and compost. We discovered how to transform organic waste into nutritious soil amendments and how to achieve this using the power of worms. It was an eye-opening experience in reducing waste and nourishing the soil.

Beekeeping and Beeswax Workshop: Under the guidance of Süleyman Kurnaz, we learned the art of beekeeping and discovered the various uses of beeswax, from candle making to natural skincare products.

DAY 4

Environment – ​​Poetry – Music: Michael D. Sheridan explained the functional role of poetry and music in gaining environmental awareness. Our Perception of Nature in Light of Linguistic Theories: We listened to Taner Can discuss the impact of language on our perception of the natural world.

Rural Identity and Agriculture in Ancient Caria: Adnan Diler took us on an impressive journey into the ancient world of Caria. We examined the perception of rural identity in the past and sustainable agricultural practices in the ancient city.

Tour of Turunç Amos Ancient City: Together with Emre Mandacı, we organized a tour of the ancient city of Turunç Amos. We took a short journey into prehistory with the ruins whispering stories of the past.

Film Night: The day ended with an impressive screening of Pelin Esmer's thought-provoking film "Something Useful".

DAY 5

Women/Gender and Environment: We started the day with a session where Şule Akdoğan addressed the critical role of women and gender in environmental protection.

The Role of Civil Society in Environmental Protection: Müge Bakioğlu moderated an enlightening discussion about the indispensable role of civil society in environmental protection. Urban Gardening in Metropolitan Cities: Necla Dal, balcony gardening in metropolitan cities.