The Nature Conservation Centre (DKM) is a Foundation established in 2004 by a group of experienced ecologists and nature conservationists. These experts, from Turkey and the UK, formed DKM in order to provide a centrally organised pool of expertise and technical capacity for conserving biodiversity in Turkey and the surrounding area.

DKM's members have each had a long involvement in nature and environmental conservation in Turkey, with some individual's active interest and experience both here and abroad stretching back to the 1960s. In Turkey, DKM’s members have worked with government, the private sector, NGOs, research institutions, individual experts and volunteers, carrying out major studies of mountain, forest, wetland and steppe ecosystems.

Throughout its work DKM uses conservation science to deliver conservation solutions, which are comprehensive and innovative. We believe that species’ extinctions and habitat degradation generally arise not from a conflict between environment and development, but from a lack of knowledge and an inability to develop appropriate strategies. Starting from this principle the DKM team:

• Works to develop a strong scientific basis for conservation, promoting the use of conservation biology principles and tools;
• Identifies damaging activities and develops ways to encourage adoption of alternative approaches;
• Develops working examples of sustainable use and wise natural resource management as alternatives to strict protection;
• Supports organisations working in nature conservation and natural resource management, helping them to find sustainable-use solutions based on sound science;
• Uses projects as tools to achieve long-term goals, not as ends in themselves;
• And, most important of all, DKM aims to achieve effective results through efficient partnerships, not individual successes.
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DKM’s Mission

Through wise use of sound science DKM aims to attain effective conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources.

Objectives

• To achieve wide understanding and application of the principles of conservation science in nature conservation.
• To establish biodiversity conservation as a core objective of all aspects of governance.
• To increase capacity to deliver durable and effective conservation.

Values

DKM is inspired by nature and its diversity and respects all forms of life, from the simplest individuals to entire ecosystems.

DKM places itself at the cutting edge of biodiversity conservation and works to a high and consistent standard to deliver scientifically sound products.

DKM seeks to understand the local context, working resourcefully and collaboratively to identify pragmatic and innovative solutions, which support sustainable lifestyles and cultures.

DKM puts people first, listening to ideas and sharing experiences in order to find ways to make optimal use of available resources.

DKM believes conservation of nature and its diversity can only be achieved through collaboration and the combined efforts of people, organisations and disciplines.