Harnessing the forces of river and sea to restore a living Gediz Delta

The project aims to bring back natural dynamics to enable the recovery of salt and freshwater habitats in the Gediz Delta.

y reopening abandoned saltpans to the sea, we will allow currents, waves and tidal forces to drive the natural creation of lagoons, islands and saltmarshes. Through data driven advocacy, we will address the freshwater deficit, strengthening the role of competent authorities to enforce legally mandated water allocations to the Delta. The restoration of the Delta’s ecosystems will support important bird populations, benefit artisanal fisheries through the expansion of fish nurseries and support the ecological health of the Bay of Izmir. 

Objectives

The project aims to restore natural processes that enable the Gediz Delta to function as a largely self-sustaining, climate‑resilient wetland where dynamic coastal and freshwater ecosystems support rich biodiversity, local livelihoods, and a strong cultural connection with the city of Izmir. 

Actions & methodology

The project will target three tipping points, each supported by specific outcomes: 

1. The removal of barriers to seawater flow will tip the degraded, static landscape into a dynamic system of lagoons, saltmarshes, channels and mudflats:
   1. Implementation of a modelling study of sediment, water levels and salinity conducted to inform restoration interventions; 
   2. Reopen saltpans to the sea, allowing waves, currents and tides to enter the area, erode remnants of the dikes and transport sediments; 
   3. Installation of pipes to allow seawater flow, enabling the recovery of saltmarshes; 
   4. Improve the water circulation of ponds and other active saltpans improved to a good ecological status and management optimized for biodiversity; 
   5. Dismantle powerlines to reduce bird mortality; 
   6. Support fishery communities’ livelihoods through small investments in infrastructure. 
2. Restored inflow and increased retention of freshwater in the delta:
   1. Establish a hydrological monitoring system; 
   2. Train and support to local hydrological teams; 
   3. Fresh water modelling studies; 
   4. Data-driven advocacy strategy designed and implemented to increase water flow in Gediz River; 
   5. Mechanical interventions to support the recovery of freshwater marshes; 
   6. Removal of eucalyptus plantations to reduce evaporation and restoration of microhabitats, including small ponds, cliffs and shrubland.
3. Public engagement activities:
   1. Create guided tour packages for the delta;
   2. Improve cycling and walking trail networks..

Team

• Project manager: Lisa Ernoul  
• Members involved: Anthony Olivier, Antoine Gazaix, Morgane Jolivet, Philippe Lambret, Oliver Boutron, Delphine Nicolas 
• Teams involved: Gestion et restauration des écosystèmes naturels et agricoles, Dynamiques des zones humides et gestion de l’eau 
• Project date:  Avril 2026 – Avril 2031 

Partners:

Technical partners  

Stichting BirdLife Europe	Doğa Derneği

 

 

Financial partners 

Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme