NGOs for environmental sustainability: the case of KuzeyDoğa Society

Abstract

The importance of volunteer-based environmental organizations is increasing throughout the world and in Turkey. Globally, there is a large number of NGOs operating in the field of environmental conservation. KuzeyDoga Society operating in Kars since 2007 is one of these institutions. The purpose of this paper is to examine the KuzeyDoga Society in terms of its conservation related activities. The activities of the foundation have been examined primarily through the organization's web sites, publications, social media presence, news stories about the organization and interviews with the founder. The analyses have shown that the activities of the organization range from leading the creation of Turkey's first wildlife corridor to lobbying for the declaration of Kuyucuk Lake as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN). The society has succeeded in marketing the conservation message to a broad audience through the effective use of traditional and social media outlets. KuzeyDoga provides a good case study of the conservation marketing strategies of a small but effective nongovernmental organization that is rarely seen in Turkey.