New Horizons December 2018 | Page 10

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As the only marine project of the GEF VI period in the world, the project will continue being implemented in the pilot areas of İğneada Floodplain Forests National Park (Nautical) (Black Sea), Ayvalık Islands Nature Park (Aegean Sea), Marmara Islands (Marmara Sea) and Hatay-Samandağ Seal Living Space as well as the Sea Turtle Nesting and Egg Laying area (Mediterranean Sea), with the objective of preventing the entry of alien species to Turkish seas, eliminating the existing alien species, and taking measures to protect native species and habitats.

By battling invasive alien species in the scope of the project, the protection of biological diversity as well as marine ecosystems will be ensured, and this will contribute to the AICHI goals along with the Sustainable Development Goals, which are aimed to be achieved by 2030.