Gaia Gossip On the Move with Maren Krings & Hasan Alp Şahin

Gaia Gossip On the Move with Maren Krings & Hasan Alp Şahin

Hi everyone! Welcome to another installment of Gaia Gossip On the Move. 🌿 I'm Alicia Fall, the founder and visionary behind Her Many Voices. Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Aicila Lewis.

Upcoming Stories and Current Events

Maren's Sail Trip

We'll be touching upon Maren Krings' sailing trip from France in our next podcast. Although today's blog isn't centered around her trip, we'll get glimpses of her adventures later on.

Climate Change Issues

We can't ignore climate change's severe impact on our environment. Everything from ocean temperatures to forest fires is linked to this global crisis. For instance, Australia's ski season is at risk of closing early due to low snowfall, and Brazil is battling massive fires in the Amazon.

The Global Picture

The interconnectedness of our world means that climate changes affect everyone, regardless of location. Whether it's the oceans heating up or peculiar behaviors in marine life off Florida's coast, it's vital to understand how these changes impact us all, even in distant places like Colorado or Amsterdam.

Addressing the Climate Crisis

Stories of Survival and Innovation

There's a silver lining: many people are coming up with innovative solutions to combat climate change. Maren's conversations with people worldwide bring these stories to light. In this episode, we'll hear from Hasan Alp Şahin about climate action in Turkey and the ecological importance of certain animal species like the water buffalo.

Climate Solutions in Turkey

We're joined by Maren and Hasan, who is part of the Hemp Institute in Samsun, Turkey. Hasan has a fascinating background, having completed his bachelor, master, and PhD in Samsun and a postdoc in Hungary. He currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Hemp Research Institute of Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University.

The Kızılırmak Delta: An Ecological Treasure

An Overview of the Delta

The Kızılırmak Delta, located on the northern coast of Turkey near the Black Sea, is a massive 56,000-hectare area that plays a crucial role in the region's ecology. The delta hosts diverse habitats, from water buffalo to wild horses, and is a critical zone for bird migration, boasting 362 of Turkey's 420 bird species.

Unique Biodiversity

The delta's unique structure supports various life forms, including 14,000 water buffaloes, essential for maintaining the ecological balance. These buffaloes play a pivotal role, from cleaning lake surfaces to creating habitats for fish and other wildlife.

"Buffaloes are not just providing milk for farmers. They protect the delta, making it livable for numerous species." — Hasan Alp Şahin

The Interconnected Ecosystem

Buffaloes help maintain the delta's ecological cycle by eating leftover reeds after farmers harvest them. This keeps water surfaces clean, aiding fish and bird populations. Their footprints create small ponds where fish can lay eggs, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.

Venture into the Delta

Field Trip Insights

Maren shares her recent trips to the delta, highlighting the contrast between seasons and the crucial role of buffaloes in preserving this habitat. The delta acts as a buffer, regulating water and providing flood protection for nearby areas.

The Audio-Visual Journey

A recently produced video showcases Maren's journey through the delta, offering a real-time look into the ecosystem's complexity. The video features everything from water buffaloes to various bird species, demonstrating the integral relationship between flora and fauna here.

Conversations and Coalition Building

Engaging with Volunteers

Hasan and Maren discuss their volunteer work in the delta, emphasizing education and ecological literacy. They engage students and locals through activities like bike tours and workshops, promoting environmental awareness and protection.

"Cycling is excellent for reducing traffic problems and minimizing our carbon footprint. Plus, it's fun and keeps us healthy." — Hasan Alp Şahin

The Role of Education

Through the Ecological Life Club and Ecological Life Bicycle Association, Hasan and his team organize educational trips, camps, and cycling tours to spread ecological knowledge. Their efforts also include safe riding training in primary schools, contributing to a culture of environmental responsibility.

A Glimpse into the Future

Upcoming Podcasts

Next month, we'll delve deeper into Maren's sailing trip and her time on a sailboat in France. This upcoming episode promises more insights into sustainable practices and innovative uses of hemp in maritime and composite materials industries.

Stay tuned for more exciting stories and join our global conversation on protecting and preserving our environment. 🌍

Thank you for reading and see you next month!