Hello everyone, welcome to the twenty-first issue of our Ecosystem News series!
As IDEMA-International Development Management, Needs Map, INOGAR, INOgarden, and the artbox agency, we work together in coordination within the same ecosystem, sharing updates from our ecosystem, projects, and happenings in the field in our monthly newsletters.
In this month’s issues, we are bringing you news from the ecosystem in August.
We wish you a pleasant reading!
Disaster Preparedness and Post-Disaster Reconstruction
6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir
August 10, 2025
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake, epicentered in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir, struck. Following the earthquake, we, as Needs Map, mobilized to the region and began fieldwork with public and non-governmental organizations.
At least one building collapsed in Balıkesir. The earthquake was felt in many provinces, including Bursa, Çanakkale, Izmir, and Istanbul.
Due to the earthquake:
- Please do not enter or remain in the vicinity of damaged or suspected damaged buildings.
- Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
- Do not use mobile phone lines except in cases of emergency.
We wish all of Türkiye a speedy recovery.
Forest Fires and Disaster Map
August 11-17, 2025
In August, forest fires broke out in many different locations, including Istanbul (Çatalca, Sarıyer), Izmir (Menderes, Bornova), and Antalya (Aksu, Gazipaşa). We mapped the location and spread of the fires in these regions through the fire updates from August 11-17, shared with the Disaster Platform via the Disaster Map. With our “Bring Hope to the Fire Zone” campaign, we are meeting the needs of individuals affected by the fire and rebuilding the future together.
With our project in collaboration with Türk Henkel, we left a mark on the future in Hatay
August 15, 2025
As Needs Map Türkiye, we completed our “Leave a Mark” project, implemented in collaboration with Türk Henkel, which aims to leave a meaningful mark on the lives of children. With this project, we reached children living in container housing in Hatay, one of the earthquake-affected provinces. As part of the project, children participated in free workshops on educational and instructive themes, providing them with the opportunity to discover their individual potential and leave a hopeful mark on the future.
As part of the “Leave a Mark” project, we organized workshops on various themes aimed at making the learning process more fun and engaging. With workshops such as “Creative Science,” “Recycling and Environmental Awareness,” “Art and Design,” “Health and Hygiene Awareness,” and “Energy Conservation and Climate Change,” we aimed to provide children with creative access to essential information by addressing issues they may encounter in their daily lives.
Open to children aged 8-12, the project lasted five months. 250 children participated in 38 workshops, receiving a total of 76 hours of training.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Türk Henkel for their strong support, sensitivity, and collaboration with this meaningful project.
Be Hope for the Fire Zone by donating to the cause
August 17, 2025
The numerous fires that have occurred in different parts of our country have affected not only forests but also living spaces, livelihoods, and the lives of countless living creatures. With the “Be Hope for the Fire Zone” campaign, launched by Needs Map, we aim to support the urgent basic needs of individuals affected by the fire and to take steps together to rebuild life in the region in the long term. This campaign is not just a call for support; it’s the beginning of new lives and hopes that we build together and nurture through solidarity.
Contribute and be a part of the solidarity: https://fonzip.com/ihtiyacharitasi/kampanya/yangin-bolgesine-umut-ol
Needs Map Türkiye developed the Volunteers Map
August 18, 2025
As Needs Map, we developed the Volunteers Map to support the next generation of volunteering as part of the Project on Supporting the Capacity of CSOs in Disaster Risk Management, funded by the European Union and implemented by STGM.
Aiming to strengthen a culture of cooperation and solidarity, the Volunteers Map connects individuals over the age of 18 who wish to volunteer with institutions and organizations in need of volunteer support.
The Volunteers Map, where all institutions can post volunteer postings and volunteers can browse and match organizations based on their interests, brings together volunteer activities for every institution and individual on a single platform. Thus, thanks to its map-based approach, it plays a significant facilitating role, especially during times of disaster and crisis.
To view the Volunteers Map: https://gonullulerharitasi.org/
Two new reports from Needs Map strengthening capacity in disaster management
August 22, 2025
Reports titled “Lessons Learned from the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Response Process” have been published as part of the Project on Supporting the Capacity of CSOs in Disaster Risk Management, implemented with the support of the European Union Delegation and the coordination of the Civil Society Development Center.
- Kahramanmaraş Depremleri Müdahale Sürecinden Çıkarılan Dersler: Afet Yönetimine Süreçsel Bir Yaklaşım Raporu
This report takes a holistic view of pre-disaster preparedness, disaster response efforts, and post-disaster recovery processes in the context of the February 6, 2023 earthquakes. It offers recommendations for inclusive and sustainable solutions for risk management, planning, coordination, technological infrastructure, and vulnerable groups.
- Kahramanmaraş Depremleri Müdahale Sürecinden Çıkarılan Dersler: Kırılgan Gruplar Tematik Analiz Raporu
The multifaceted impacts of the February 6, 2023 earthquakes on women, children, individuals with disabilities and the elderly, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrant-refugee and minority groups, rural communities, and individuals with health vulnerabilities are examined. They offer concrete recommendations for inclusive and equitable solutions in disaster management using a rights-based approach.
These reports are a powerful reference source for building a more resilient and inclusive system against disasters.
To browse the reports: https://afetplatformu.org.tr/raporlar/
It was our second year in Hatay with Team Paribu
August 22, 2025
For two years, Team Paribu has been growing in the field of sports with over 400 children and young people under the guidance of coaches.
We celebrated this special day with a football and basketball tournament, a tarpaulin painting event, and a dance performance. The winners of the tournaments received their trophies and medals from national wrestler Kerem Kamal. The colorful handprints left by the students during the painting event became the most precious memory of sports, friendship, and solidarity that will last a lifetime.
As Needs Map, the Team Paribu Seninle project, implemented in collaboration with Team Paribu, continues to support the project to increase access to sports.
Technology for Goodness
Artificial Intelligence, Cooperatives, and the Ecological Struggle: Two New Courses from Trebor Scholz
August 26, 2025
Trebor Scholz, an academic and activist known for his work in cooperative digitalization, will be meeting with his students this fall with two unique lessons. Focusing on both the social impacts of artificial intelligence and the revolutionary and ecological legacy of the cooperative movement, the lessons will be held online and open to international participants.
To read the full news, you can visit idemahaber.com
Well-being
We held a joint mosaic workshop with the Yan Yanayız Psychosocial Support Platform
August 22, 2025
As Needs Map, we gathered with women for a mosaic workshop at our Yan Yanayız Free Psychosocial Support Center, located in the Hatay Needs Map Container Living Area. In this workshop, we explored the history and stages of mosaic art together.
Culture and Art
Voices in the Courtyard at DasDas
August 1-29, 2025
The “Voices in the Courtyard” concert series, held at DasDas Courtyard in August, has concluded. Throughout the month, Paptircem, Suzan Hacigarip, Tuğçe Şenoğul, Selut, Eve Dönüş Yok, Kaan Arslan, Dilan Balkay, Deniz Taşar, and Batuhan Polat performed. The artists met with audiences at concerts held every weekend.
Rehearsals for “Açık İlişki” Took Place
August 24, 2025
Binnur Kaya and Mert Fırat on stage for the first time! As artbox agency, we filmed the rehearsals for the play “Open Relationship,” which will premiere at DasDas on September 5th.
Partnerships for Purpose
We are seeking Young Volunteer Needs Map Ambassadors for the Children’s Needs Map Project
August 7, 2025
The “Children’s Needs Map” project, implemented in partnership with the UNICEF Turkish National Committee and Needs Map, with support from the European Union and as part of the ACAR Project, is seeking Young Volunteers to conduct needs assessments. Applications are now open
You can access the application form here: https://ihtiyacharitasi.org/19may%25c4%25b1s-genc-ihtiyac-elcileri-anketi/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMBVUdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp-mYs3XoWunxkGRPLQ89M1uaiaStoOoKV2dhY17wjCSFMZIkRLfxiYPb8wYN_aem_TUuqW1PhI3-cuYiIT0TV-A
Next Economies Summit 2025 in Istanbul
August 20, 2025
Next Economies Summit 2025, a collaboration between the Producing Economics Association and Kadir Has University CESD, will take place in Istanbul from September 12–14. Dr. Ali Ercan Özgür, Founding Partner of IDEMA and INOGAR, will be among the speakers.
Theme: “United Future Economies”
For details and registration: nexteconomies.net
IPA x IDEMA Development School Applications Are Now Open!
August 14, 2025
The Development School, implemented in collaboration with the Istanbul Planning Agency and IDEMA, begins as a six-week training program focusing on the changing dynamics and current themes of development. Participants will meet with expert instructors and explore different development topics in 12 modules. Applications will be accepted via an online form, and short interviews will be held after a preliminary assessment. Accepted participants will have the opportunity to attend face-to-face sessions at the İPA Campus Florya during the training. Details of the instructor staff and module content can be found on our website.
Who is Eligible: Local governments, public institutions, NGO employees, and young people interested in local development. Applications are accepted from all provinces.
Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
Training Period: September 15 – October 22, 2025
Training is free of charge. The quota for training is 35 people.
Conclusion
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We look forward to seeing you in our next issue!
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