‘Eco-friendly’ signature
As part of the protocol, students of IUE Faculty of Communication, Department of Public Relations and Advertising will develop integrated communication campaigns tailored for the foundation as their graduation projects. WWF-Turkey will utilize the tangible project outputs created by young people to shape its communication campaigns. Additionally, each year two students who take the course will have the opportunity to work as volunteers within the foundation.
The protocol signing ceremony, held on campus, was attended by IUE Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner, WWF-Turkey Group Communications Manager Dr. Neyran S. Akyıldız, Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Burak Doğu, Vice Dean Asst. Prof. Dr. Pınar Umul Ünsal, Head of Department of Public Relations and Advertising Prof. Dr. Selin Türkel, and faculty members instructing the graduation project course.
SEA TURTLES AND EELS
IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu highlighted the rapid climate change caused by global warming, emphasizing the importance of preventing environmental destruction, consuming natural resources responsibly, and addressing pollution. Stressing that planetary health and human health are interconnected, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu stated that all activities should be approached with a ‘One Health’ approach.
Reminding that IUE students developed communication campaigns for the protection of green sea turtles in 2022, European eels in 2023, and educational initiatives for Olivelo Ecological Living Park in Güzelbahçe in 2024, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu expressed his satisfaction with WWF-Turkey representatives being involved in the evaluation process of these projects.
“I TRUST OUR STUDENTS”
Stating that they signed the protocol to take the collaboration even further and believing that significant projects will emerge in the new period, Rector Abacıoğlu said, “Universities must be sensitive to the environment, society, and all issues impacting nature. They must develop solutions and establish collaborations in these areas. We act with this awareness. We wanted to support WWF-Turkey, especially in communication processes, and transfer our University’s knowledge to them. I believe our students' communication campaigns will play a crucial role in promoting the foundation’s activities and reaching a wider audience. I trust our students.”
WWF-Turkey General Manager Ömür Kula also stated that engaging and focusing on young people will be a priority for the foundation in the coming period. She emphasized the importance of synergy between civil society and academia in creating positive examples that benefit the planet.
