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ONU KORU

The world is facing an unprecedented water crisis due to climate change, rapid population growth, and mismanagement of resources. Turkey is experiencing the most severe consequences of this global issue: In the last 60 years, water sources the size of three Lake Van’s have dried up. Lakes such as Karagöl, Avlan, and Girdev are no longer present. Strategic freshwater sources like Eğirdir and Kovada are under the threat of drying up and pollution. One of the biggest factors behind this crisis is uncontrolled urbanization.

Urban transformation projects, while providing earthquake-resistant structures and modern infrastructure, are turning into an "unconscious consumer" that depletes water resources. Large-scale projects increase water consumption and cause irreversible damage to ecosystems. So, what is the solution? Sustainable urbanization and smart water management.

Image by Nikolay Maslov

OUR MISSION

Raising awareness about protecting water resources and preventing water waste, implementing sustainable urbanization and urban transformation, and enhancing water efficiency throughout these processes. Encouraging urban transformation projects to align with water resource sustainability.

CLIMATE CHANGE

URBAN TRANSFORMATION AWARENESS

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Image by Hasan Almasi

RATIONALITY

Urban transformation is a crucial step in improving the quality of life in Turkey. However, water resources are often overlooked in this process:

🌿 Nature Drowned in Concrete: New housing and infrastructure projects destroy green spaces and water basins.
💧 Rising Consumption: In densely populated cities, per capita water consumption increases by up to 40%.
🚱 Wastewater Problem: Untreated wastewater pollutes agricultural lands and underground water sources.

Turkey’s Harsh Reality:
🌊 Nearly 70 natural lakes have completely dried up.
🏙️ Per capita water consumption in Istanbul is 190 liters/day (Global average: 150 liters).
⚠️ By 2040, 25 million people may face water stress (WWF Turkey).

orman

WHAT IS IT?

"O" means "it" in our language, but in the context of Onu Koru, "Onu Koru" means is "Protect it". "O" represents much more. "O" means you. "O" means me. "O" means our children. "O" means our homeland. "O" means our world. "O" means health and peace. "O" means the chirping of birds. "O" means water. "O" means climate. "O" means strength. "O" means patience. "O" means discovery. "O" means seeing. "O" means thinking. "O" means peace. "O" means brotherhood. "O" means breath... This is what we must protect. This is what we must preserve Onu Koru.

What Happens If We Protect It?
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If we protect it, we are actually protecting ourselves. The air we breathe remains clean, our soil retains its fertility, and our seas stay full of life. Storms become rejuvenating rather than destructive; the sun warms instead of burns. Our children grow up looking at the sky, not just concrete. If we protect it, our future will be filled with hope. Because nature always gives back the love it receives returning as shade, water, breath, and life itself…

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