Goal 15 :
Life On Land
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 15 – Life on Land calls for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, with a focus on halting deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and combating land degradation. Doğuş University supports terrestrial sustainability through tree planting, biodiversity awareness, and environmental responsibility.
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Reforestation and Tree Planting: Doğuş University actively participates in reforestation efforts. In 2019, students and staff joined Turkey’s nationwide “Breath for the Future” campaign, planting saplings as part of the 11 million Trees event. The university, in collaboration with TEMA (the Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion and Forestation), has donated hundreds of saplings to be planted in deforested areas. These contributions aid reforestation, combat soil erosion, and instill a love of nature in the student body – directly advancing SDG 15’s target to restore degraded forests and increase afforestation.
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On-Campus Greening: Both DOU campuses are maintained as green and biodiverse as possible within an urban setting. The landscaping includes plenty of trees, native plants, and green courtyards that provide habitat for birds and pollinators. The university runs a “Campus Gardening” program where students can help plant flowers and trees each spring. This not only beautifies the campus but also raises awareness about the importance of urban green spaces for ecological well-being.
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Wildlife and Animal Welfare: Doğuş University students demonstrate care for land-based life through animal welfare initiatives. The Genç Haçiko Club (Young H.A.Ç.İ.K.O., affiliated with an animal protection NGO) leads efforts to protect stray animals – organizing food and shelter for stray cats and dogs on campus and in the surrounding community. The university veterinary volunteers ensure these animals are vaccinated and neutered. Protecting urban fauna in this way aligns with Goal 15’s call to end poaching and trafficking and to promote biodiversity.
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Education and Research on Ecosystems: In academic forums, DOU addresses terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. The Science Club and instructors have hosted seminars on topics like conservation of endangered species and the importance of wetlands. Some research projects examine local biodiversity – for example, cataloguing plant species on campus or studying the impact of urbanization on Istanbul’s bird populations. By generating and disseminating knowledge about ecosystems, the university contributes to protecting life on land.
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Reducing Paper and Wood Waste: To support sustainable forestry (another aspect of SDG 15), Doğuş University has significantly reduced paper usage through digitalization, as mentioned earlier. It also runs recycling programs for paper and wood. Old furniture or wooden materials from campus are repurposed or donated rather than discarded. Through conscious consumption policies, the institution helps reduce demand for raw wood resources, indirectly helping to curb deforestation pressure.