Prof. Dr. Arzu ÜNAL served as a project trainer on the TÜBİTAK 4004 Project.
As part of the 19th call for proposals under the TÜBİTAK 4004 Nature Education and Science Schools Support Programme, and the project numbered 225B915 titled ‘Ecological Literature School-2’, organised by the Iğdır Directorate of Youth and Sport, which ran from 7 to 13, Prof. Dr. Arzu ÜNAL, a member of our Faculty’s academic staff, took part in the project training.
As part of the project taking place at the foot of Mount Ağrı and in the surrounding villages, various activities were organised for 24 teachers from different provinces of Turkey, providing them with scientifically grounded information on ecological damage in our world. Scientific excursions and fieldwork are being carried out.
Basic information is provided on competitive plants, competition and ecological threats. These were explained using examples relating to the effects of deforestation, industrial emissions, land-use change and climatic conditions on plants. This information was supplemented by details of ecological characteristics. It was explained that Iğdır Province, situated in the Iran-Turan transition zone, possesses a rich flora due to its microclimatic characteristics. Furthermore, according to analyses by the Eastern Anatolia Agricultural Research Institute, it was reported that the soils of Tuzluca and Karakoyunlu, in particular, are in good condition in terms of fertility. Numerous wild herbs used in Iğdır’s cuisine and of ethnobotanical interest were introduced.
‘Save the Plant’ task cards featuring endemic and native plant species from the provinces of Mount Ağrı and Iğdır, which are part of the project, were distributed. Each card featured a plant and the level of threat it faces. Participants were asked to propose appropriate conservation and sustainable use improvements for the plants featured on the cards.
As part of the project, Discussion Circles are held in open spaces. Regional data is reviewed, and joint assessment lists comprising women’s views and suggestions are drawn up.
