Projects
Project for Increasing Finike’s Resilience Against Earthquake and Flood Disasters in University - Public - Civil Society Cooperation
Civil Participation Grant Programme Increasing Finike's Disaster Resilience Strengthening proactive and reactive capacity against disasters, primarily earthquakes and floods Project Reference No: PJ277 Budget: $129,091.11 Origin of the Project The core problem underlying our project has been identified as “Finike's lack of sufficient proactive and reactive resilience against earthquake and flood disasters.” A detailed problem analysis regarding the issue in question has been conducted, and by addressing the root causes of the problem, it has been assessed that our capacity for disaster resilience can be significantly increased through the implementation of the activities specified below. Activities Carried Out Within the Scope of the Project 1 Trainings Within the scope of the project, trainings were organized for members, volunteers, and personnel of public institutions, universities, and other non-governmental organizations acting as partners and/or affiliates, as well as for the local public engaged in agriculture and similar sectors that may be directly affected by disasters, regarding individual measures that can be applied in disaster situations. Trainings on proactive technical measures were conducted for other non-governmental organizations, public institutions, local administrations, the construction sector, and other relevant bodies operating in our district. In addition, technical and practical applications to be implemented in the reactive field—such as search and rescue techniques, first aid, search and rescue dog training, and train-the-trainer programs—were conducted, open to the participation of all public institutions and NGOs in the district, primarily members of the project applicant, project partners, and affiliated institutions and organizations. ≈ 500 By the end of the project, approximately 500 people from our district and region completed Basic AFAD and Support AFAD trainings and were registered in the volunteer system. 2 Establishment of the Training and Coordination Center The Disaster Training and Coordination Center was established to meet the need for a facility where all emergency teams operating in the region during disaster situations can gather, swiftly meet their needs, and continue basic training on disasters during non-disaster periods. Instead of constructing a new building from scratch, the center was realized by allocating publicly owned idle buildings and land in our district and carrying out repair and renovation works. Renovation works and the procurement of equipment to be used in the center were covered within the scope of the project budget. Sustainability It is planned that proactive and reactive trainings will be continuously conducted in this center at periodic intervals, updated in line with the current needs of the district. 3 Seminars, Workshops, and Legislative Proposals Legislation concerning potential disaster risks in the district and the region it is located in was addressed, and problems and bottlenecks encountered during the implementation of current legislation in our region were evaluated. Experts from various branches related to the current situation were hosted in our district to conduct field inspections, followed by the organization of various seminars and workshops. Reports were prepared as a result of the workshops, and issues that need to be amended, differentiated, or added regarding current legislation in our region were identified. The identified issues, along with the tangible outputs of the project, were submitted to the relevant Ministries with the aim of contributing to legislative development processes. Institutions and Organizations Involved in the Project UMESKO Limited Liability International Miraculous Hands and Social Enterprise Cooperative Project Applicant Finike Municipality Mandatory Partner Akdeniz University Project Partner Finike District Governorate Project Affiliate Finike Chamber of Agriculture Project Affiliate Arykanda Nature Sports Club (ADOS) Project Affiliate Karacaören Nature Sports Club (KADOK) Project Affiliate AFAD Project Affiliate YESEVİ Association Project Affiliate Project Information Project Budget $129,091.11 Grant Programme Civil Participation Grant Programme 2023 / CEPT Co-financing 0 100% grant excluding in-kind contributions Project Reference No PJ277 Complementary Activities In addition to the main activities, secondary activities such as opening and closing meetings, interim and final reporting, design of visibility materials, announcements made at every stage of the activities, and newspaper and social media news were carried out jointly by the project applicant and project partners. Visuals and News from Project Activities You can access news, announcements, and shares regarding the activities carried out within the scope of the project via the links below. Facebook News 1 Facebook News 2 All Posts on Facebook Finike Municipality Post Photo / Event Finike Municipality Post Finike Municipality Post PROJECT VIDEO AFAD Volunteers Field Training ▶ Watch Video
Finike Tourism Master Plan Preparation Project
Finike Tourism Master Plan Preparation Project Sustainable Tourism and Destination Management 📌 Project Introduction We are launching the "Finike Tourism Master Plan Preparation Project" with the aim of preserving and carrying Finike’s unique natural, historical, and agricultural heritage into the future, and transforming our district into a sustainable, high-quality tourism destination. Located in Antalya’s western corridor, Finike possesses a multi-dimensional alternative tourism potential, encompassing characteristic microclimatic features, rich biodiversity, pristine bays, natural wonders such as Gökbük Canyon, the ancient cities of Limyra and Arykanda, and the historical Lycian Way trekking routes. Through this project, our objective is to extend our district's existing day-trip and seasonal tourism activity to all 12 months of the year under a holistic planning approach, and to transform Finike from a mere "transit point" into a global attraction center in its own right. 🎯 Core Rationale and Vision of the Project The monocultural structure of the regional economy, which is predominantly based on citrus production, creates vulnerability to market fluctuations. Establishing a new model of regional development based on the symbiotic harmony of agriculture and tourism is the most strategic way to mitigate this vulnerability. Respecting Finike's international "Cittaslow" (Slow City) status and its delicate ecological balance, our project designs a "sustainable and niche destination management" model that strikes a balance between conservation and utilization against the homogenization caused by mass luxury tourism. It aims for a growth model that does not harm nature and culture, without exceeding physical and socio-cultural carrying capacities. 🎓 Scientific and Participatory Framework of the Project The most critical dataset and scientific foundation of this master plan were established during the Finike Tourism Workshop organized on May 7, 2026, in partnership with the Finike District Governorate, Finike Municipality, Akdeniz University Tourism Research, Development, and Application Center (TAGUM), and the Finike Education Foundation. The strategic recommendations generated through the collective wisdom of public authorities, academics, local residents, non-governmental organizations, and industry representatives have determined the fundamental building blocks of this project. 🧭 Our Strategic Focus Areas and Alternative Tourism Types Agritourism (Agricultural Tourism) & Gastronomy: We are integrating our geographically indicated, world-renowned Finike orange and our agricultural production strength with tourism. Key priorities include organizing harvest events in orange orchards, establishing local gastronomy routes, and promoting the authentic values of Mediterranean cuisine. Cultural, Historical, and Archaeological Tourism: We are integrating our ancient cities (Limyra, Arykanda)—which possess profound historical depth with excavations ongoing for over 50 years—and the Lycian Way route into tourism itineraries while preserving them. We are designing cultural routes to enhance the visibility of regional culture. Eco-Tourism and Outdoor Sports: While preserving our natural treasures such as Gökbük Canyon, Ördübek Plateau, and Andrea Doria Bay, we are introducing them to adventure tourism through trekking, canyoning, mountain running, and cycling routes. Marine, Youth, and Sports Tourism: While leveraging the opportunities offered by our sheltered, modern yacht marina with its peaceful harbor atmosphere for boutique yacht tourism, we are also developing infrastructure for water sports such as canoeing, rowing, and sailing. Rural Tourism: Preserving the authentic structure of our rural areas, we aim to integrate women and youth into the tourism economy through initiatives like homestays, thereby preventing rural-to-urban migration. 🤝 Goal: A Dynamic Destination Management Organization (DMO) To ensure the successful sustainability of the project, it is aimed to establish a dynamic Destination Management Organization (DMO) bringing together public entities, academia, local actors, and non-governmental organizations. Through this mechanism, all processes—ranging from data collection systems to digital marketing, and smart agricultural practices to the training of local residents—will be managed through a unified framework and in accordance with sustainability principles. Finike's strategy is to create a unique Mediterranean model where local people benefit, nature is preserved, and cultural heritage is carried into the future by transforming "the orange in the grove into the story on the plate."
Flavors of Finike are Branding with Geographical Indication Registration Project
Project on Branding Finike's Flavors through Geographical Indication Registration Project Carried Out within the Scope of the BAKA Technical Support Program The "Project on Branding Finike's Flavors through Geographical Indication Registration", of which our Municipality is a partner, started in 2025 and is currently ongoing. Within the scope of the project, under the BAKA 4th Period Technical Support Program, entitlement has been gained to receive training and consultancy support for the preparation of geographical indication application files for the EU geographical indication registration process of the Finike Orange, as well as for Yazır Grape, Ernez Pine Honey, Finike Hicaz Pomegranate, and our other local products, and for the establishment of strategic roadmaps regarding their sustainability. 📍 Project Scope The project aims to make geographical indication registration applications at the national level for a total of 11 of our local products, of which the application files for 5 products have been completed. These efforts are of great importance in terms of protecting Finike's local gastronomic heritage, registering it, increasing its economic value, and branding our district's unique flavors.
Finike Municipality Cittaslow Children's Festival and Adventure Park Project
🌿 Finike Municipality Cittaslow Children's Festival and Adventure Park An exemplary social project that supports the social development of our children, brings families together, and carries Cittaslow values into the future. This project, implemented by Finike Municipality, aims to strengthen civic consciousness and urban belonging, keep traditional values alive, and support a healthy lifestyle culture by bringing children, families, and local producers together in the same living space. 💡 Project Background It has been observed that due to Finike's distance from the Antalya city center, our children have limited access to science centers, thematic playgrounds, educational workshops, and similar social activities. As a result of evaluations conducted by our Municipality in coordination with public institutions, non-governmental organizations, neighborhood mukhtars, child development specialists, dietitians, teachers, and our citizens, it was identified that children's participation in social activities has declined, technology addiction has increased, traditional children's games are beginning to be forgotten, and spaces where families can spend quality time together are insufficient. Driven by these needs, a holistic project was developed to reunite our children with outdoor spaces, sports, culture, and their families. 🎯 Project Objectives To introduce our children to the Cittaslow culture at an early age. To revive traditional children's games that are on the verge of being forgotten. To pass down local culinary heritage, handicrafts, and cultural values to future generations. To create safe social spaces where families can spend quality time with their children. To contribute to reducing technology addiction by encouraging physical activity in children. To promote awareness of healthy eating and the Slow Food movement. To strengthen civic consciousness and a sense of belonging to Finike. 🛝 Adventure Park Within the scope of the project, an area of approximately two decares on our district's coastline, which had remained idle for a long time, has been redesigned and transformed into a vibrant social life center for our children and families. Within the park: Climbing wall Adventure obstacle course Zipline Trampoline Beach soccer field Children's playground equipment Accessible play areas for children with disabilities Mobile cafe built on recycling principles Portable sales stalls for local producers 🎉 Cittaslow Children's Festival The Cittaslow Children's Festival, one of the most important components of the Adventure Park, is traditionally held annually during the last week of September. The festival brings together old and new generation games, uniting children and their families in shared activities. A strong bond is established between generations through stage performances, mascots, wooden games, sports competitions, workshops, and cultural activities. At the same time, women entrepreneurs, producers, artisans, and local businesses set up stalls to introduce healthy eating, regional delicacies, and handmade products to the public. 🌱 Project Outcomes An idle area has been reclaimed and reintegrated into urban life. For the first time, Finike has gained a traditional festival dedicated exclusively to children and families. New economic opportunities have been generated for local producers. Interest in local cuisine and traditional children's games has increased. Children's participation in physical activities has been encouraged. Public awareness regarding Cittaslow and Slow Food has been enhanced. A new social life space has been established where families can spend quality time together. ♻️ Sustainability The project has been made permanent in line with Finike Municipality's vision of social municipalism and its Cittaslow ethos. It has been institutionalized by a Municipal Council resolution to be held regularly every year. The project aims to remain sustainable for many years through sponsor support, contributions from local businesses, and the municipality's own resources. Today, the project is considered a successful social municipalism practice that can serve as a model not only for Finike but also for many other municipalities with similar structures.
You Are Not Alone Project
🤝 You Are Not Alone Project Finike Municipality Social Support Project As Finike Municipality, in line with our social municipalism approach, we consider standing by our citizens who reside in our district and require assistance as one of our core responsibilities. Implemented with this vision, the You Are Not Alone Project is a comprehensive social support program aimed at facilitating access to essential needs for our residents in need, supporting their quality of life, and strengthening the culture of solidarity. The assistance provided within the scope of the project not only meets material needs but also contributes to fostering a strong environment of social solidarity where our citizens do not feel alone and know that their municipality stands by them in times of need. 💚 Support Provided Within the Scope of the Project Essential Living Support: Essential supplies such as food, clothing, household goods, and firewood are delivered to our citizens in need. Healthcare and Personal Care: Necessary support is provided in primary healthcare and personal care services, contributing to the preservation of their quality of life. Patient and Elderly Support: Hospital bed support is provided to facilitate the daily lives of our mobility-impaired or bedridden citizens. Educational Support: Tablet support is provided to increase access to technological opportunities for our students continuing their education. Social Solidarity: Finike Municipality, with its people-oriented and equitable service approach, remains resolutely committed to standing by all of our residents in need and strengthening the culture of solidarity by enhancing social support services.
Cittaslow Finike Intersection Improvement Project
Cittaslow Finike Junction Kale District Urban Improvement Project In many Cittaslow (Slow City) member cities worldwide, the Cittaslow logo is prominently displayed in public spaces. This practice captures the attention of both local and international tourists while raising awareness and highlighting the unique identities of these cities. To enhance the visibility and promotion of Finike on national and international platforms through our "Cittaslow" identity, the junction project designed by our Municipality’s Project Unit has been successfully implemented. 🌿 Implementation and Landscape Details Location and Schedule: The project was implemented at the junction in front of the Municipal Cultural Center, a frequent stop for Finike visitors and a key point on tourist itineraries. Designed in 2024, the work was completed in the first quarter of 2025. Architectural Structure: The structure utilizes a steel-construction plexiglass design on a pedestal; a modern LED lighting system has been integrated into the figures and lettering to ensure aesthetic appeal at night. Xeriscaping (Water Conservation): The site layout was created using dolomite and pumice stone. The plantation features species that are compatible with our region's natural texture and have low water requirements: Iresine herbstii, Senecio cineraria, Euonymus microphyllus pulchellus, Alternanthera reineckii, Cycas revoluta, Echinocactus grusonii, Agave tequilana.