Aquatic ecosystems are very fragile habitats, providing climate regulation, biodiversity, water and food supply, recreation and tourism, education and research. However, they are directly affected by anthropogenic adversities (population growth, urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, dykes, hunting, habitat modification, pollution, etc.), especially climate change. Increasing drought due to global warming causes the water in small streams to decrease or completely dry up in some seasons. In addition, endemic (specific to certain regions) aquatic organism species, which spread in a narrow area, face extinction. Sea levels rise because of melting glaciers and expansion of ocean water. Some of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed into the oceans, causing ocean acidification. Acidification affects aquatic ecosystems, especially by creating harsh conditions for coral reefs and other calcium carbonate-forming organisms. Legislation and strict enforcement are crucial for the protection of aquatic life. As a result of the increasing pollution load in existing waters and serious degradation of clean water resources, the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD), an action plan in the field of water policy, was published by the European Parliament on October 23, 2000, based on the idea that 'water is not a commercial product but a natural resource that needs to be protected'. In the first article of the adopted common text, it was stated that water should not be a commercial product like other resources, but should be protected, defended and treated as a historical heritage. In this context, the aim of this proposal is; to create a common content within the common NIDA module by carrying out training of trainers and to explain the importance of aquatic ecosystems to university students, enabling them to understand the functioning of these ecosystems, to raise awareness of protecting natural resources in a sustainable way, to contribute to sustainable growth, quality jobs and social cohesion by supporting the educational, professional and personal development of people in the fields of education, training, youth and sport through lifelong learning, to promote innovation, to strengthen European identity and active citizenship. Especially in Europe and Turkey, the lack of awareness of how these volunteering activities can contribute to society and the lack of understanding of their potential benefits is seen as an obstacle to active citizenship. Participation in these activities varies depending on factors such as socio-economic status, education level and geographical location. Therefore, it may cause inequality of opportunity in some societies. There may also be some social and cultural barriers and individuals from different cultures. However, the aim is to promote non-formal and informal learning mobility and active participation, quality, inclusion, creativity and innovation among young people.
Collaborations under the project will allow each partner organization to increase the number of activities and increase their knowledge and efficiency through transnational activities.
Website: https://nidaproject.net/
Lead partner: Dr. Şebnem Atasaral, Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Marine Science
Other partners: Trabzon University (Türkiye) Mare Nostrum NGO (Romanya), University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia)
