An Interview with Özge Sönmez

Özge Sönmez has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of environmental advocacy, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and community action. As an education champion recognised by the Malala Fund and the founder of a sustainability association, her career has been defined by a deep-seated belief that nature conservation belongs to everyone. Today, she channels that lifelong passion into protecting Turkey’s marine ecosystems as the manager of the Turquoise Coast Fund (TCF), a member of the global Conservation Collective network.

In this interview, Sönmez opens up about the power of locally led conservation, the healing resilience of the Mediterranean, and how the philosophy of voluntary simplicity shapes everything from her daily morning rituals to her wardrobe.

Let’s get into it.

What originally sparked your passion for environmental education, and how has that mission evolved now that you’re managing the Turquoise Coast Fund (TCF)?

I've always believed in the power of knowledge, but I also know that knowledge alone doesn't necessarily lead to change. We all know that plastic pollution is harmful, for example, yet many of us still struggle to reduce its use in our daily lives. That's why I became interested in environmental education in the first place. To me, its role is to bridge the gap between science and society. Scientific knowledge is essential, but it only becomes meaningful when people can relate it to their daily lives and decisions. The question that stayed with me throughout my years in environmental education was: how can we make nature conservation something that belongs to all of us, and how can people recognise the impact they can have?

Today, through TCF, I find myself asking the same question, but through the lens of the sea. How can we make the protection of our seas everyone's concern? How can we help people recognise both their responsibility and their power to create change?

At the same time, one of the biggest challenges in marine conservation is the lack of funding. The resources dedicated to protecting our seas remain very limited compared to the scale of the challenges they face. A large part of my work today is focused on mobilising more support and directing resources to the local organisations already doing remarkable work on the ground.

For readers who might not be familiar, could you tell us a bit about the Conservation Collective model and how TCF specifically works to protect Turkey’s stunning coastline?

Conservation Collective is built on a simple but powerful idea: global environmental challenges require local solutions. The people who live closest to a place are often the ones who understand its challenges best and are most committed to protecting it. Rather than running projects directly, Conservation Collective helps establish and support locally-led environmental foundations around the world, providing them with funding, expertise, and a global network.

TCF joined the Conservation Collective network in 2022. It was established by a group of people in the UK and Türkiye with strong ties to Türkiye's coasts and a shared belief that these extraordinary places deserve better protection. Today, it continues to be supported by individuals, families and businesses who care about the future of our seas. Our role is to mobilise resources for the protection of Türkiye's coastlines and seas and channel those resources to effective local initiatives.

What I find particularly valuable about this model is that it combines local knowledge, scientific expertise, and philanthropy. We never assume that solutions should come from outside. Instead, we identify and support the people already doing the work on the ground, researchers, local NGOs, community groups, and conservation practitioners, and help them scale their impact.

Türkiye's coastline is extraordinarily rich in biodiversity, from seagrass meadows and wetlands to endangered species and important migration routes. Protecting these ecosystems requires long-term commitment, collaboration, and funding. TCF's role is to help make that possible by connecting people who care about these places with the local organisations working every day to protect them.

Raising climate awareness can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. What is a recent win or project at TCF that has made you feel incredibly hopeful about the future of our oceans and coastlines?

It's very easy and completely understandable to feel discouraged when working in this field. That's why I believe we all need stories of hope.

When I think about the projects TCF has supported, two immediately come to mind. The first is our Fish Owl conservation project in Mersin. The Fish Owl is an endangered species, and for many years it was unfortunately seen by local communities as a symbol of bad omen. Through the education and fieldwork led by our local partner, perceptions have begun to change. Today, people understand how rare and valuable this species is, children are forming birdwatching clubs to learn about the wildlife around them, and the community has become an active part of its protection. Recently, the project was even featured by the BBC News Adventure Travel team. For me, it's a powerful reminder of how conservation can start with a change in perspective and grow into something much bigger.

The second is our Water Hyacinth project in Hatay. Water hyacinth is an invasive species threatening both the Asi River and Lake Gölbaşı. The plants are harvested, dried, and transformed into baskets, bags, and other products by women affected by the devastating 2023 earthquakes. The income generated from these products goes directly back to the women who make them. It's a wonderful example of how conservation can create benefits far beyond biodiversity alone, helping restore ecosystems while also supporting livelihoods and strengthening communities. Those are the kinds of stories that give me hope.

Fish Owl in Mersin, Yusuf Özbey

What is the biggest misconception people have about coastal conservation, and how can everyday individuals or travelers contribute to TCF’s mission? 

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about conservation is that change only happens through large institutions, major projects, or governments. In reality, some of the most meaningful and lasting change starts locally, with people who care deeply about the places they live in.

Margaret Mead's words often come to mind: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." In Türkiye, most people agree that our seas and coastlines are worth protecting - we love them. The challenge is turning that love into action.

That's exactly what inspires me about the local organisations we support. They combine local knowledge, scientific expertise, and genuine commitment to place. Every day, they are restoring habitats, monitoring species, reducing threats, and helping communities become part of the solution.

For travellers and individuals, contributing doesn't have to be complicated. You can support TCF, choose environmentally responsible businesses, reduce your waste, or simply share the stories of people doing this work. Real change is often the result of many small actions coming together.

You manage one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Personally speaking, do you have a favourite hidden bay or secret spot along the Turquoise Coast where you go to completely disconnect? 

I don't actually have one secret bay that I keep to myself. For me, it's less about a specific place and more about a daily ritual.

I live in a small coastal town and every morning I walk my dog along one of our favorite routes by the sea. She loves swimming, and while she's enjoying the water, I find myself preparing both my mind and body for the day ahead. Before the town has fully woken up, there's a quietness that feels incredibly grounding.

Those moments remind me how fortunate I am to experience this beauty every day. They also remind me why this work matters. Hope and optimism don't simply appear on their own, they require intention and effort. Standing by the sea each morning, I'm not only taking a pause, I'm reconnecting with the reason I choose to make that effort in the first place.

How does spending so much time by the sea influence your personal lifestyle and mental well-being?

Being by the sea naturally slows down the tempo of life. I have always been someone who draws strength from nature; watching birds or simply being among trees aren't just hobbies for me, they are my way of staying connected to the world.

Working in conservation can be emotionally taxing because you are constantly confronted with loss, the loss of species, habitats, and sometimes, time. In those moments, the sea reminds me of nature’s incredible resilience. It shows me that when we give nature just a little bit of space and time, it has an immense capacity to heal. Science tells us this too. Around the world, we have countless examples of ecosystems recovering when pressure is reduced and protection measures are put in place. Seeing that resilience gives me the hope and motivation to keep going.

But beyond personal well-being, the sea reminds me of our interconnectedness. The ocean doesn't belong to any one person, yet it belongs to all of us, those living on the coast, those who love it from afar, and the generations yet to come. It is our greatest "commons." Protecting it isn't just the job of a few scientists or environmentalists; it is a collective responsibility. When I look at the horizon, I feel that shared value and the duty we all carry toward it. That sense of shared purpose is what truly fuels my work at TCF.

Seahorse in Türkiye, Mert Gökalp

If you had to plan the ultimate, eco-friendly Sunday itinerary along the coast for someone visiting for the first time, what would it look like?

It would be a day that starts in the early hours. Starting the day before the world wakes up always reminds me of how much I am part of a great whole. Listening to the morning birds is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself. For breakfast, find a local market; a market where fresh olives, hand-pressed olive oils, and seasonal vegetables are bought directly from the producer. This is the truest form of the Mediterranean diet and, at the same time, the best way to support local and sustainable food systems.

Get into the water around noon. Try to see the sea not as a backdrop, but as a home to thousands of species. In the afternoon, visit a natural area if there is one nearby. Before ending the day, think about what you can give back to a planet that offers you so much beauty. It doesn't matter if it's small or large. Find one thing and make it happen. Then, end the day at a small restaurant that cooks with local products. Let only the gratitude for where you are remain within you.

What does a typical, slow Sunday look like for you when you aren't working? How do you like to start your morning? 

On Sunday mornings, I still enjoy the advantage of waking up early. I make sure to have at least one hour to myself before the rest of the household wakes up. I take care to keep this as a screen-free hour, spending it with my morning coffee and a newspaper or a book. If the weather is nice, I listen to the birds in the garden. Birds are everywhere; they continue to sing their wonderful songs to you even in the heart of the largest cities.

Later, we have breakfast as a family, and we try to spend the rest of the day in a calm tempo if possible. There is a forest and a long beach near us; although not on a strictly regular basis, we make an effort to go there. When my daughter was little, she had a book called "Doing Nothing Day." It’s a book about how much larger and more beautiful the world is compared to the screens that have taken us over today. Sundays are a great opportunity for all of us to remember this and to explore our surroundings.

Are there any specific daily rituals or habits you rely on to keep you grounded and energised?

Having a few hours to myself during the day, spending time with books, and being with my daughter are among the rituals that keep me grounded.

I'm a curious person and always eager to try new things. I started running at the age of 40, I'm learning to paint, and I love to dance. I still enjoy putting pen to paper and writing my notes in notebooks. In a world that moves very quickly, these simple habits help me stay connected to myself and to the things that matter most.

What is currently on your nightstand? (Books, podcasts, or documentaries that are inspiring you right now).

Books, always. I usually have a novel and a collection of essays on my nightstand at the same time. Novels, especially during difficult periods, offer a chance to step into another world, while essay collections satisfy my need to keep learning and exploring new ideas.

The last novel I read was Matt Haig's The Life Impossible, and I'm currently reading Melancholy of Resistance. At the same time, I'm slowly making my way through Mürşidim Doğa (Nature as My Guide) by Nazım Tanrıkulu, taking the time to really absorb it.

Children's books are always on my radar as well. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, taking a short break with a children's book has a remarkable way of helping me regain perspective.

Athyrus Phaselitanus in Antalya, Eymen Uzunkök

How would you describe your personal style, and how do your environmental values influence your wardrobe choices and fashion habits?

For a long time, I have been striving to engage with the philosophy of "voluntary simplicity" in every area of my life. In a world that constantly demands "more" of us, I prioritise the ability to settle for less, distinguishing between needs and wants, and questioning my consumption habits. While I wouldn't say I have fully mastered this yet, I am deeply committed to the journey.

I try to buy less, choosing pieces that I can wear for years and avoiding impulse purchases. Before bringing something new into my life, I usually ask myself if I genuinely need it and if it will stand the test of time. To me, sustainability is ultimately about a shift in perspective: seeing ourselves not as the center of nature, but as a part of it. I believe we must honour the fact that other living beings have as much right to life as we do, and our choices should reflect that respect.

I would describe my personal style as practical, relaxed, and shaped by the environment I live in. Since I am based in the Mediterranean, I naturally lean toward lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable during the long, hot summers. For me, comfort is essential. I choose simple, versatile pieces that transition easily between settings whether I’m working in the field, attending an event, or simply spending time in nature.

Whenever possible, I prefer products made locally or by smaller producers, as I like knowing where the things I buy come from and being able to support local businesses and makers.

The Mediterranean diet and lifestyle are world-famous for longevity and health. Are there any local ingredients, dishes, or markets along the coast that are absolute staples in your kitchen?

Knowing the story of every product that comes to our table might be the secret. Olive oil, for example; a good olive oil purchased from a local, small-scale producer is precious at every meal. Do you know who grew your vegetables and fruits, where, and under what conditions? Unfortunately today, there are children who answer the question "Where does a tomato come from?" by simply saying "the market." We need to strengthen our bond with food, our most basic need, and become advocates for clean and sustainable food.

"Longevity" will naturally follow as a result of this awareness. For me, the Mediterranean way of eating is a philosophy of "closeness"; consuming what is nearby, what is in season, and what is simple... I find it incredibly valuable to preserve this simplicity and to stay this close to the roots of our food.

When transitioning from a day of fieldwork on the coast to an evening board meeting or event, what are your go-to wardrobe essentials?  

Both in the field and in meetings, I find myself leaning toward pieces that are long-lasting and that I feel comfortable in. When I need to transition to a different event, I don't make major changes; sometimes just a shawl, a jacket, or a few pieces of jewellery I love are enough.

Rather than the clothes drawing attention, it is more important to me that I feel comfortable and like myself in them. I think this is a small reflection of the "voluntary simplicity" approach that I strive to apply in all other areas of my life.

Thank you, Özge, for reminding us that safeguarding our planet's future begins with the choices we make, the stories of hope we share, and the quiet moments we spend reconnecting with the natural world. By channeling resources into local hands and embracing a life of mindful simplicity, her work with the Turquoise Coast Fund offers a vital blueprint for marine conservation and sustainable living along Turkey’s extraordinary coastlines.

Image credit: Turquoise Coast Fund