Celebrating the Success of the Flourishing Generations-II Project in Marmaris
My amazing colleague, Anite Karaarslan-Postma, and I are honored to announce the successful conclusion of NP2E’s, www.np2e.org, second Flourishing Generations project in Marmaris—our youth solidarity tree initiative. Each year, we continue to enrich our program around the Dutch-Türkiye Friendship Forest with innovative educational components and new collaborations, expanding its reach and impact. This growth is made possible with the support of the Dutch Embassy in Ankara, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and a network of dedicated partners across both countries.
In addition to nature education and co-creating the Friendship Forest, our Flourishing Generations initiative has taken exciting steps. In 2022, we installed sensors on two Sweetgum trees in the Günnücek Forest with our partner, the Marmaris National Park and Education Center. This technology aims to deepen our connection and communication with nature, embracing the understanding that we are not its masters, but an integral part of it.
In May of this year, our project reached creative heights within new collaborations through a concert ‘Sweetgum’s Symphony’ with Marmaris Maksad Chamber Orchestra. The concert featured music composed by Bert Barten from the vibrations recorded by the tree sensors.
In November, we continued to build on this momentum with a three-day program featuring a diverse range of activities, from measuring biodiversity to tree planting. We were privileged to collaborate with Muğla University and Associate Professor Hatice Ulusoy. Her visionary concept led to the creation of a new youth Friendship Forest. The program also featured a workshop titled GROW, led by Jori Wolf from the Dutch National Forestry Committee. Participants engaged in a profound dialogue with the forest floor—an enriching addition to our efforts and a testament to the power of cross-cultural partnerships.
We were also pleased to present our first ECO Inspiration Award to the Honorary Consul in recognition of his dedication to restoring and protecting nature, particularly through his inspiring idea to create the Netherlands-Turkey Friendship Forest. This award will be presented annually by NP2E moving forward.
In short, witnessing new friendships blossom between the young participants, rangers, and students from Muğla and Wageningen University was truly magical. May these newly forged connections flourish, just as the new trees we have planted together.
We extend our gratitude to everyone involved and look forward to nurturing these partnerships and ideas for many years to come.
Our gratitude to our sponsors Beachfront hotel, Corendon Foundation and Orka Hotels!
