Our Project.

Avsa is one of the three islands in the Marmara Archipelago.

Fun fact- the root of the word “Marmara” is the Turkish word “mermer”— which means granite! Given the name, each of these islands are made of granite.

Given the island’s precious resources, there has been an increase in unsustainable granite extraction, leading to a speeding loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the economy of the island has resorted to focusing solely on tourism to keep up with demand— selling their farms and generational businesses.

Issues we’re targeting:

Unsustainable Granite Mining
Biodiversity Loss
Sustainable Tourism and Economy

#1: Unsustainable Granite Mining

The Avsa Project is dedicated to raising community awareness to the dangers of resource exploitation through educational materials, activism, and legislative action. Through partnerships with the Balikesir Region, we strive to implement proper procedures to keep the minerals of the island where they belong— in the ground.
#2 Biodiversity Loss

Through projects such as the Avsa Project Short Film featured on EarthX, we are continuously raising awareness to environmental catastrophes such as the 2021 Sea Mucilage Crisis so villagers in the region receive proper aid while conserving the ecosystem they live in. Marine Protected Area petitions are underway, with the end goal of protecting the Marmara.
#3 Sustainable Tourism/ Economy

With local businesses plummeting due to the impacts of globalization, island residents are resorting to short-term profits to keep their families afloat. By doing so, they are risking the culture of the island. Through educational opportunities, we hope to develop frameworks of sustainable tourism that can be applied to Avsa as well as other island communities.

Watch our Short Film

Poyraz Mersin

“If this was happening in Europe, there would be immediate action. We don’t even have people listening to our concerns”
Suna Sumatyali

“We used to have dark oak trees, but with the coal plant across the sea, they all dried up and passed. If they cannot survive, how can we?”
Filiz Durmazbilek

“This is nothing but rogue capitalism. The people on the island are cutting the branch they’re sitting on just to make quick money”
Hakan Ayvaz

“My business is barely covering rent. The big wine companies bought out my grape vines, promising I would get a portion of sales. I haven’t received a dime”