We Are the Regional Coordinator for Uşak and the Aegean Region in the UNDP SGP-Supported “Butterfly Effect for Zero Carbon” Project

In the “Butterfly Effect for Zero Carbon” project—supported by the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) and designed as a youth-focused awareness model against the climate crisis—Ortak Geleceğimiz Association played an active role as the regional coordinator for Uşak and the Aegean Region. The project laid the foundation for a carbon-neutral lifestyle culture through a wide network of collaboration extending from universities to public institutions, and over 50 communication campaigns were designed.

The “De6: Butterfly Effect for Zero Carbon” project is a climate literacy communication campaign in which communication faculty students produced digital content and developed creative ideas around various themes related to climate change. Through this campaign, which included expert-led trainings, seminars, blog articles, and mentorship for students, the project aimed to increase public knowledge about climate change and promote concrete behavior change in line with Türkiye’s 2053 net zero targets.

Ortak Geleceğimiz Association took part in the “Butterfly Effect for Zero Carbon” project, coordinated by the De6 Team and supported by UNDP GEF SGP, as the official regional coordinator for Uşak and the Aegean Region.

The project aimed at individual and societal transformation for a sustainable life, with a specific focus on raising youth awareness about the climate crisis, encouraging action, and fostering local leadership. It was built around the idea that “a butterfly flapping its wings can spark great change.”

As part of the project, environmentally conscious universities, public institutions, and NGOs from across Türkiye collaborated. Stakeholders included EÜAŞ, TESAB, Ege University, Anadolu University, Gazi University, TED University, OSTİM Technical University, and various civil society organizations. This multi-stakeholder structure also emphasized the importance of comprehensive and inclusive approaches to zero carbon literacy.

At Ortak Geleceğimiz Association, we carried out our responsibilities in Uşak with great enthusiasm and commitment. As part of the project, we organized a zero-carbon-themed painting competition for youth across the city. Hundreds of students from various schools in Uşak participated. The competition encouraged participants to creatively connect the concept of the climate crisis with imagination. Winners received awards, and digital certificates were presented to all participants.

The project’s final event was held in Ankara, where Ortak Geleceğimiz Association participated as both a regional coordinator and a knowledge-sharing partner. Youth, academics, and environmental activists from various provinces attended the event. Activities included presentations of local efforts in Uşak, best practice showcases, youth dialogues, a design camp, theater performances, and thematic workshops.

The “Butterfly Effect for Zero Carbon” project not only strengthened Ortak Geleceğimiz Association’s capacity in environmental and climate-related issues but also facilitated new sustainability-oriented collaborations throughout the Aegean Region.

Following this valuable project, our association continues to develop new initiatives to expand the culture of carbon-neutral living in Uşak. This project model—built on the active participation of youth, children, and the local community—continues to inspire all our future climate-centered work.