Within the framework of university–public sector cooperation, a community engagement–oriented event was organized on Tuesday, February 3, at the Yeniçağa Wetland in celebration of World Wetlands Day by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management of the Faculty of Agriculture at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University (BAİBÜ) and the Wildlife Application and Research Center (YABANMER).

The event was carried out in cooperation with the Bolu Provincial Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and was conducted under the scientific guidance of Prof. Dr. Cihangir Kirazlı, a faculty member of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Head of the Department, and Deputy Director of YABANMER. Participants included members of the Environmental, Nature and Animal Protection Unit, staff from the Yeniçağa Municipality, representatives of the Yeniçağa District Presidency of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), as well as students and teachers.

Within the scope of the event, the structural characteristics of the wetland ecosystem, its ecological functions, and its significance in terms of biodiversity were examined on site. Through field-based activities, participants had the opportunity to observe the ecological dynamics of wetlands and to evaluate species–habitat relationships. During the field study conducted under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Cihangir Kirazlı, bird species present in the wetland were observed using binoculars and telescopes, and practical information was shared regarding species identification, habitat preferences, and their roles within the ecosystem.

The program also included a photographic exhibition featuring images of bird species recorded in the region, emphasizing the vital importance of wetlands for birds and many other groups of living organisms. In this context, wetland ecosystem services, their roles in regulating water regimes, their contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, and their functions in combating climate change were addressed within a scientific framework.

The Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management of the BAİBÜ Faculty of Agriculture and YABANMER continue their efforts to disseminate awareness of nature conservation in line with their community engagement mission, alongside their education, training, and research activities. This event is regarded as a significant initiative in terms of bringing scientific knowledge to the public and implementing nature-based awareness activities through hands-on field practices.

Through these activities carried out under the coordination of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management and YABANMER, the aim is to strengthen environmental responsibility awareness among younger generations and to increase public awareness regarding the conservation of wetlands.