Biologist Fatih Polat
President, Ecosystem Conservation Association (EKOS)
Fatih Polat graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in 2015. Following his graduation, he worked as a Biology teacher at various private educational institutions in Burdur and Antalya.
Polat began his nature conservation efforts even before his university years. In 2011, he joined EKAD’s Belek Sea Turtle Research, Monitoring and Conservation Project as a volunteer and has since played an active role in research, monitoring, and conservation activities focused on sea turtles. For many years, he has conducted extensive field studies, particularly on sea turtles and the Nile softshell turtle, coordinating nesting surveys, monitoring programs, data collection, and public awareness activities.
Throughout his career, Polat has also worked as a biologist for research and consultancy companies operating in the fields of environmental and social planning, contributing to numerous biodiversity projects. In addition, he has served in ministry projects and environmental consultancy firms as a Bird Researcher and Assistant Reptile Researcher, carrying out comprehensive field studies on bird migration, biodiversity inventories, and reptile research in various regions. The data he gathers are incorporated into scientific reports and conservation projects.
Polat is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, where he continues his thesis research on sea turtles. Known as the “Midwife of the Carettas,” he has been actively involved in numerous conservation projects since his university years, contributing to sea turtle research, monitoring, and public awareness initiatives.
As the founding President of the Ecosystem Conservation Association (EKOS), Polat leads projects aimed at protecting natural habitats, promoting biodiversity conservation, and increasing public environmental awareness. In this capacity, he serves as the project coordinator of the Posidonia oceanica (Seagrass) Monitoring, Mapping and Sustainable Management Project conducted along the Lara coastline. Through this initiative, he contributes to the protection of one of the Mediterranean’s most important marine ecosystems through scientific research and conservation efforts.
With his extensive field experience, scientific expertise, and dedication to conservation, Fatih Polat continues to contribute to the protection of Türkiye’s coastal and terrestrial ecosystems at both national and international levels.
Engin Pek
Vice President of the Association
A graduate of the Department of Biology at Hacettepe University, he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University. He began his involvement in sea turtle conservation projects in Kumluca in 2007 as a Project Assistant and has since taken active roles in various aspects of sea turtle research, monitoring, and conservation efforts.
With more than 15 years of professional experience, he has contributed to large-scale projects primarily focused on vector control, as well as environmental health, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem management. He also coordinates sustainable environmental practices within the scope of waste management and Blue Flag programs, supporting the implementation of environmentally responsible policies and initiatives.
Hayri Kılıç
Hayri Kılıç studied Chemical Engineering at Ege University and gained significant professional experience through nearly 30 years of work in the tourism sector in Manavgat. Throughout his long career, he developed a disciplined work ethic and strong organizational skills, which he has increasingly applied to nature conservation efforts in recent years.
Since 2021, Kılıç has served as a volunteer with the Ecological Research Association (EKAD). In 2025, he assumed the position of Treasurer of the Ecosystem Conservation Association (EKOS). He actively supports fieldwork conducted in the Kundu-Lara and Kızılot regions, contributing to research and conservation activities on the ground.
Driven by a strong interest in nature and a deep sense of responsibility, Kılıç continues to make valuable contributions to conservation initiatives. He currently resides in Manavgat and remains actively involved in local environmental protection efforts as a volunteer.
Elif Korkmaz
Secretary
She graduated from the Department of Food Engineering at Süleyman Demirel University in 2020. Following her graduation, she continued her professional development through experience gained in the catering and manufacturing sectors before pursuing a career in the tourism industry. She currently serves as a Quality Manager at a hotel, where she plays an active role in quality management and sustainability practices.
While effectively applying her knowledge and expertise in food engineering throughout her professional career, she is also committed to promoting environmental awareness and nature conservation. In line with this commitment, she voluntarily supports the activities of the association dedicated to the protection of sea turtles and the sustainability of ecosystems, contributing to public awareness and conservation initiatives.
Beytullah Özkan
Founding Member
Beytullah Özkan is a lecturer at Trakya University and specializes in small mammal research, with a strong focus on nature conservation and biodiversity. By combining his academic career with extensive field experience, he has conducted significant studies in terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, particularly in species identification, monitoring, and habitat assessment.
Within the scope of projects carried out under the Ecosystem Conservation Association (EKOS), Özkan actively contributes to scientific research on the ecology, distribution, and conservation of small mammal species. His interdisciplinary approach, supported by both academic expertise and field experience, enables him to play an effective role in sustainability-oriented conservation projects.
Selma Köle
Founding Member
She began her undergraduate studies in the Department of Biology at Ankara University in 2020 and is currently continuing her education. Since 2023, she has actively participated in various nature conservation and Erasmus+ projects. She is currently conducting her own research project on microplastics at Ankara University.
Hikmet Buru
Founding Member
He began his studies in the Department of Biology at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University in 2021 and is continuing his undergraduate education. In 2023, he joined the Sea Turtle Conservation and Monitoring Project of the Ecological Research Association, becoming involved in fieldwork. He has been actively working on the project for three years and currently serves as a project assistant.
Tahsin Ceylan
Underwater Cinematographer and Documentary Producer
Tahsin Ceylan is one of Türkiye’s leading underwater photographers, widely known for his long-standing work documenting the hidden world of the oceans. He focuses particularly on recording the biological diversity of the Mediterranean and the Turkish coastline, aiming to raise awareness for the conservation of marine ecosystems. His work reaches broad audiences through both scientific and artistic productions, contributing significantly to environmental awareness.
Through visual documentation and scientific communication, Ceylan plays an important role in increasing the impact of conservation projects. He is particularly active in highlighting sensitive ecosystems such as sea turtles and seagrass meadows, supporting scientific studies with photo and video content while fostering public awareness.
Taner Şahakalkan
Underwater Photographer
Taner Şahakalkan is a dedicated nature conservation volunteer with extensive field experience in marine ecosystems and diving activities. Driven by his long-standing interest in marine life, he has participated in research and monitoring studies across various regions, contributing to a better understanding of coastal and underwater habitats. His observational skills and field expertise provide valuable support to biodiversity conservation efforts.
Within EKOS (Ecosystem Conservation Association) projects, he is involved in field operations and technical support processes, playing an important role especially in diving-based studies. He actively participates in monitoring activities related to sea turtles, seagrass meadows, and other sensitive ecosystems, contributing to underwater photo and video documentation as well as data collection. His teamwork and field experience significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of project activities.
KÜBRA KÜÇÜKERDEM
Sustainable Tourism Specialist | Project Development & Partnerships
Kübra Küçükerdem, born in 1983 in Adana, began her career in the tourism sector at an early age. She completed her studies in Tourism and Hotel Management at Atatürk University and later earned a degree in Business Administration from Anadolu University. She further advanced her academic development by completing a master’s degree in Sustainable Tourism Management at Cappadocia University.
She has gained extensive experience across various areas of the tourism industry, including hotel and restaurant operations, executive assistance, public relations, and project development and implementation. Since 2009, she has been actively working in the Lara-Kundu destination, contributing to regional tourism development and sustainability initiatives.
She plays an active role in coordinating multi-stakeholder tourism structures, supporting the implementation of environmental practices and sustainability processes. She also develops collaborative projects that bring together public institutions, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
As an active environmental volunteer, Küçükerdem contributes to the Ecosystem Conservation Association (EKOS), promoting sustainability awareness. She also participates in social responsibility initiatives aimed at creating public benefit.
Alongside her professional activities, she continues her academic engagement by participating in congresses, symposiums, and workshops, presenting papers on sustainable tourism and environmental awareness.