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15.3.2 - BAHÇEŞEHİR UNIVERSITY POLICY ON THE IDENTIFICATION, MONITORING AND PROTECTION OF IUCN RED LISTED AND NATIONALLY PROTECTED SPECIES
Policy Area: Environmental Sustainability and
Biodiversity Conservation
Policy Date: 2025
1. PURPOSE
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) recognizes biodiversity conservation and the protection of threatened species and natural habitats as integral components of its institutional commitment to environmental sustainability.
This policy establishes a comprehensive framework for the identification, monitoring and protection of plant and animal species included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and relevant national conservation lists, particularly where their habitats are located within or affected by University operations.
The policy promotes the integration of biodiversity conservation into campus management, agricultural activities, infrastructure planning, research, and institutional environmental practices. It reflects the University's commitment to protecting natural ecosystems, preventing biodiversity loss, and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
2. SCOPE
This policy applies to all Bahçeşehir University campuses, facilities, research locations, agricultural operations, and areas directly or indirectly affected by University activities.
The scope includes:
University campuses, gardens, landscaped areas, and green spaces.
BAU Farm Natural Living Farm in Giresun, including its agricultural landscapes, natural vegetation, and surrounding terrestrial habitats.
University-managed research, educational, and fieldwork locations.
Areas affected by construction, infrastructure development, landscaping, maintenance, and agricultural operations.
Adjacent natural environments and habitats potentially affected by University activities.
The policy addresses native flora and fauna, with particular attention to species classified as threatened under the IUCN Red List, species protected under national legislation, endemic species, and habitats of ecological importance.
The policy applies to relevant University units and individuals acting on behalf of the University, including contractors undertaking University-commissioned activities.
3. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Bahçeşehir University adopts the following principles in its approach to biodiversity conservation and the protection of threatened species.
3.1. Biodiversity Conservation
The University recognizes the ecological importance of native flora and fauna and prioritizes the conservation of natural habitats and the maintenance of ecological balance in areas affected by its operations.
3.2. Protection of Threatened and Protected Species
Species included in the IUCN Red List and relevant national conservation lists receive particular consideration in environmental planning, land management, and operational decision-making.
3.3. Precautionary Approach
The University adopts a precautionary approach to activities that may affect threatened species or sensitive habitats, emphasizing the prevention and minimization of potential environmental harm.
3.4. Sustainable Habitat and Land Management
Environmental management practices prioritize the conservation of natural vegetation, soil health, habitat integrity, and ecological functions.
3.5. Scientific Assessment and Monitoring
Biodiversity-related decisions are guided by recognized scientific information, ecological observations, relevant conservation databases, and expert assessments.
3.6. Habitat Restoration and Ecological Improvement
The policy promotes the restoration of disturbed habitats, the protection of native vegetation, and the improvement of ecological conditions where appropriate.
3.7. Institutional Responsibility and Collaboration
Biodiversity conservation forms part of the shared responsibility of relevant University units and encourages cooperation with public authorities, scientific institutions, and environmental organizations.
4. IDENTIFICATION OF THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES
The University adopts a systematic approach to identifying species of conservation concern and their habitats in areas potentially affected by its operations.
4.1. Species and Habitat Inventories
The identification framework provides for the preparation and periodic updating of biodiversity inventories covering relevant University locations.
Inventories address:
Native plant and animal species.
Species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species included in national conservation lists or protected under Turkish legislation.
Endemic and ecologically sensitive species.
Natural habitats supporting species of conservation concern.
4.2. IUCN Red List Classification
The identification framework includes the assessment of recorded species against the IUCN Red List, particularly the categories:
Critically Endangered (CR).
Endangered (EN).
Vulnerable (VU).
Near Threatened (NT) and Data Deficient (DD) species are also considered where ecological conditions indicate a need for additional assessment or preventive measures.
4.3. National Conservation Lists
Species identification and assessment take into account applicable national conservation lists, wildlife protection regulations, and official decisions issued by competent authorities in the Republic of Türkiye.
4.4. Habitat Assessment and Mapping
The identification framework incorporates the assessment of habitats that support or potentially support threatened and protected species.
Relevant methods include field observations, vegetation surveys, ecological research, scientific records, expert consultation, and geographical mapping where appropriate.
Particular attention is given to habitats potentially affected by land use, construction, agricultural operations, and campus management activities.
5. MONITORING OF SPECIES AND HABITATS
The University establishes a framework for monitoring species of conservation concern and the ecological conditions of their habitats in areas affected by its operations.
5.1. Baseline Assessment
The monitoring framework includes the compilation of available information on species presence, habitat characteristics, vegetation, and potential environmental pressures.
5.2. Periodic Monitoring
Monitoring arrangements are determined according to the conservation status of identified species, the ecological sensitivity of their habitats, and the nature of potential impacts arising from University activities.
5.3. Monitoring Methods
Appropriate monitoring methods include:
Field observations and biodiversity surveys.
Vegetation and habitat assessments.
Bird and wildlife observations.
Photographic documentation.
Habitat mapping and environmental records.
Scientific studies and expert evaluations.
Consultation with relevant public authorities and conservation specialists.
5.4. Biodiversity Records
The policy provides for the maintenance of institutional biodiversity records documenting relevant species, their conservation status, habitat characteristics, monitoring findings, and identified environmental risks.
Information concerning sensitive species locations is handled with appropriate safeguards to avoid creating additional conservation risks.
5.5. Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring findings inform environmental management decisions, the identification of conservation priorities, and the assessment of protective measures.
6. PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION MEASURES
Bahçeşehir University incorporates biodiversity protection into relevant institutional operations and environmental management processes.
Where threatened or nationally protected species or their habitats are identified in areas affected by University activities, the following conservation principles apply.
6.1. Habitat Protection
The protection of habitats supporting threatened and protected species is prioritized. Operational planning considers measures to prevent unnecessary habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation.
6.2. Prevention of Operational Impacts
Potential impacts on biodiversity are considered in relevant construction, infrastructure, maintenance, landscaping, and agricultural activities.
Preventive measures focus on avoiding or minimizing disturbance to sensitive species and habitats.
6.3. Conservation of Native Flora
The University promotes the protection of native vegetation, the preservation of ecologically valuable plant communities, and the prevention of unnecessary vegetation removal.
6.4. Protection of Fauna and Wildlife Habitats
The policy supports the conservation of habitats used by native wildlife, including appropriate nesting, feeding, resting, and sheltering environments.
Particular attention is given to the ecological requirements of species identified as threatened or nationally protected.
6.5. Sustainable Agricultural Practices
At BAU Farm and other relevant locations, biodiversity considerations are integrated into agricultural and land management principles.
These include the protection of natural vegetation, responsible soil management, reduction of unnecessary chemical pressures, and consideration of ecological relationships between cultivated areas and surrounding habitats.
6.6. Habitat Restoration
Where University operations affect natural habitats, the policy promotes appropriate restoration and rehabilitation measures, including the use of ecologically suitable native plant species.
6.7. Invasive Species Management
The identification and management of invasive alien species form part of the University's biodiversity conservation framework where such species pose risks to native ecosystems.
6.8. Cooperation with Conservation Authorities
Significant conservation concerns are addressed through consultation with qualified experts and relevant public authorities, in accordance with applicable legislation.
7. INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
7.1. University Rectorate
The Rectorate provides institutional oversight of the policy and supports its integration into University governance, operational planning, and environmental sustainability processes.
7.2. Academic Units and Research Centres
Relevant academic units and research centres contribute scientific expertise to biodiversity assessment, species identification, ecological research, and conservation-related activities within their respective fields.
7.3. Administrative and Facilities Management Units
Units responsible for campus management, infrastructure, landscaping, construction, and maintenance incorporate relevant biodiversity protection principles into their operational responsibilities.
7.4. BAU Farm Management
BAU Farm management contributes to the application of biodiversity conservation principles in agricultural operations, natural vegetation management, soil protection, and habitat-related activities within the Farm's operational area.
7.5. Institutional Sustainability Coordination
The units responsible for sustainability coordination support the collection and organization of biodiversity-related information, implementation monitoring, and institutional reporting.
8. IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
The policy establishes five interconnected stages for the identification, monitoring, and protection of species and habitats.
Stage 1 — Species and Habitat Identification
Compilation of available biodiversity information, identification of potentially affected habitats, and development of relevant species inventories.
Stage 2 — Conservation Status Assessment
Assessment of identified species against the IUCN Red List and applicable national conservation lists, including consideration of habitat sensitivity and potential environmental risks.
Stage 3 — Monitoring and Conservation Planning
Determination of monitoring priorities, responsible units, appropriate observation methods, and relevant habitat protection measures.
Stage 4 — Conservation and Habitat Management
Integration of appropriate preventive, protective, and restorative measures into relevant University operations and environmental management practices.
Stage 5 — Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
Periodic assessment of monitoring findings, conservation activities, and implementation progress to support improvements in biodiversity management.
9. LEGAL AND INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK
This policy is guided by internationally recognized biodiversity conservation frameworks and is implemented in accordance with applicable national legislation, including:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Convention on Biological Diversity.
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention).
Republic of Türkiye Environmental Law No. 2872.
Republic of Türkiye National Parks Law No. 2873.
Republic of Türkiye Forest Law No. 6831.
Republic of Türkiye Law No. 4915 on Land Hunting.
Relevant national species protection lists, wildlife conservation regulations, and official decisions issued by competent authorities.
10. POLICY REVIEW AND REVISION
The policy is reviewed at least once every two years as part of the University's institutional sustainability and environmental management processes.
Additional reviews are initiated where necessary in response to:
Changes in relevant national legislation or international conservation frameworks.
Changes in the conservation status of identified species.
New scientific findings concerning threatened species or sensitive habitats.
Significant changes in University operations or land use.
Monitoring findings indicating additional conservation needs.
Recommendations arising from institutional assessments and evaluations.
Policy revisions are submitted to the authorized University governing body for approval.
