Gediz Delta
Harnessing the forces of river and sea to restore a living Gediz Delta.
The Gediz Delta on Türkiye’s Aegean coast is a globally important wetland that supports migratory and breeding birds, fish, marine invertebrates and local fisheries. Its mosaic of freshwater and coastal habitats plays a vital role in sustaining biodiversity and the ecological health of the Bay of İzmir.
Despite its ecological importance, the Delta has been severely degraded by excessive water extraction from the Gediz River. Reduced river flows, barriers to fish migration and declining groundwater levels have led to the loss of freshwater habitats, saltwater intrusion and the expansion of hypersaline areas.
The Gediz Delta project is restoring natural water dynamics and reconnecting habitats across this unique landscape. Through restoration and advocacy, it will improve freshwater flows, support fish migration, strengthen local engagement with nature, and enhance habitats for internationally important bird populations and artisanal fisheries.
Gediz Delta, Türkiye
Stichting BirdLife Europe
Ongoing since 2026
US$4,999,766
26,165ha
Salt and freshwater marshes and coastal lagoons, scrub, meadows, eucalyptus plantations, saltpans, agricultural fields and urbanised areas
Greater flamingo, Dalmatian pelican, European sea bass, European eel, blackchin guitarfish
The Gediz Delta is an important breeding ground for fish and marine invertebrates, supporting artisanal fisheries and migrating and breeding birds; the lagoons act as breeding grounds for commercially important fish, and the Bay of İzmir is home to over 4 million people
Why this place matters
This landscape supports globally significant bird populations, including 10% of the world’s greater flamingos and 3% of its Dalmatian pelicans.
The Gediz Delta is one of the Mediterranean’s most important coastal wetlands, supporting globally significant bird populations, including 10% of the world’s greater flamingos and 3% of its Dalmatian pelicans. Its lagoons, mudflats and tidal habitats provide vital feeding and breeding grounds for migratory birds, fish and marine invertebrates, while helping to maintain water quality in the Bay of İzmir.
However, the loss of natural connectivity between the sea, lagoons and saltmarshes has degraded large areas of the Delta. Reduced freshwater flows have caused habitats to dry out, become hypersaline and lose biodiversity, while commercially important fish species have declined.
Restoring ecological function across the Delta is critical for wildlife, artisanal fisheries and water quality. Reconnecting habitats and improving freshwater availability will help recover biodiversity, strengthen fish nurseries and support the long-term health of this internationally important wetland.
Action on the ground
The Gediz Delta project is restoring natural water dynamics and reconnecting habitats. Planned actions include:
Engagement activities will help strengthen the connection between the people of İzmir and the Delta.
Improved visitor access and infrastructure will support sustainable tourism and recreation while protecting sensitive habitats and wildlife.
Targeted investments in infrastructure will help support the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Policy support and advocacy will strengthen efforts to ensure the legally required allocation of freshwater to the Delta is delivered and enforced.
of degraded saltpans and a further 440 hectares of saltmarsh will be reconnected to a dynamic network of lagoons, saltmarshes, channels and mudflats through the removal of barriers to seawater flow.
of circulation ponds and active saltpans will be restored to good ecological condition, with management improved to better support biodiversity.
of eucalyptus plantation will be removed to reduce water loss through evaporation and restore valuable habitats, including small ponds, cliffs and shrubland.
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