BACKGROUND
The Kızıl Kirazkuşu project focuses on drought, one of the problems caused by climate change. Datça, a district of Muğla and the sample area for the project, is facing drought due to unplanned practices related to water usage, construction, natural water sources, and wastewater management. Drought and the climate crisis directly (and negatively) affect children and youth in two main ways. The first is the rights violations they are experiencing and will continue to experience as a result of being exposed to the negative consequences of climate change. The second is the ecological anxiety felt not only by children and youth but by all individuals concerning environmental destruction and its impact on their lives. In this context, the aim of this study is to contribute both to the empowerment of children and youth in the fight against climate change and to the mobilization of duty bearers.
PROJECT GOALS
- Eight one-day workshops and two field visits will be held on climate change and drought themes with children.
- Thirty children aged 9–14 will participate in the workshops, in two groups of 15 each.
- Four “Thinking Together with Youth” workshops will be organized with 80 young people in total, grouped into four local groups of 20 each, focusing on climate change and drought.
- A total of 200 people will be reached through an exhibition based on the outcomes of the workshops.
- A communication network will be established with 10 civil society organizations for advocacy efforts, and the implementation model will be shared.
- A joint demands document will be prepared based on the opinions of children and civil society organizations.
- At least five consultation meetings will be held with decision-makers such as local governments regarding environmental policies.
- Visibility, promotion, and communication activities will be carried out.
PROJECT RESULTS
- A total of 37 children from Datça and Betçe participated in literature, sound, visual arts, and puppet workshops on the theme of climate change and drought.
- 17 children from Datça and Betçe joined the visit to the Rainwater Harvesting Area at the Datça Animal Lovers Association Rehabilitation Center.
- A consultation meeting was held with 41 young people, creating a space for discussions on drought in Datça and possible solutions.
- An exhibition showcasing the outputs of the workshops was attended by 160 people, who viewed the drought-themed artworks produced by the children.
- A consultation meeting was organized with NGOs and decision-makers on environmental policies. Meetings were held with the Datça City Council Water Working Group, Muğla Environmental Platform, Datça Mountaineering and Nature Sports Club, Neighborhood Disaster Volunteers Emergency Response Team Datça Branch, Climate Justice Coalition Water Working Group, DOS-Der (Serap Kantarcı), and Doğa Derneği (Nature Association).
- A model booklet was prepared and published.
