WWF Türkiye Cooperation
We have partnered with WWF Turkey on numerous successful projects, working...
ETi Burçak – WWF Türkiye Cooperation
We are now entering the 16th year of our long-standing collaboration with WWF-Türkiye, which began in 2008 to promote sustainable wheat production, protect agricultural lands, and ensure the future of farming in Türkiye.
Over the past 16 years, we have launched numerous joint projects—from water conservation in agriculture and combating climate change, to safeguarding Anatolia’s wheat heritage and educating future generations about sustainable food from farm to table.
We remain committed to using all our knowledge, experience, and technology to support the future of Türkiye’s farmlands.Our sustainability work focuses on three main pillars: climate change and water use, wheat diversity and production, and protection of agricultural soils.
Konya Basin Agricultural Water Saving Project
In 2008, ETi Burçak and WWF Türkiye launched a modern irrigation project in the Konya Basin, one of Türkiye’s most drought-prone regions due to climate change. This initiative aimed to preserve local water resources and promote modern irrigation methods nationwide.
- 46 decares of pilot modern irrigation
- 47% water savings
- 58% energy savings
- 26% fertilizer savings
- 28% increase in yield
- 200 farmers trained
Project for Türkiye’s Tomorrow
In 2009, we initiated a scientific study to evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on Türkiye’s water resources and agricultural production. The project aimed to guide proactive measures to reduce future risks.
In the first phase, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) developed national climate scenarios for 2015, 2030, and 2050.
In the second phase, the Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) examined climate change impacts on agriculture and biodiversity in Türkiye, with a focus on the Konya Closed Basin and Eastern Mediterranean Basin.
- The final report included data-driven projections of future water needs based on crop types, irrigation methods, and alternative farming scenarios.
- The study identified changes in temperature, precipitation, and evaporation, offering a forward-looking view on how the agriculture sector might evolve.
Climate Adaptation Initiative
Building on insights from “Türkiye’s Tomorrow” Project, we launched the Climate Adaptation Initiative in 2010 to encourage climate-resilient agriculture in the Konya Closed Basin, raise public awareness, and build local capacity. The project continued until 2014.
- Published the “Today’s Water in Konya” report on the region’s water budget deficit
- Trained 3,500 people on climate adaptation, irrigation techniques, and the water-agriculture connection
- Conducted pilot practices with 18 farmers on 2,400 decares
- Developed Türkiye’s first basin-level climate modeling and agricultural scenarios
- Achieved 407,121 m³ of water savings (equivalent to the annual water needs of 7,000 people)
