The workshop titled “Spotted Mullein Action Plan Workshop” was held in Çanakkale, focusing on plant species prioritized for conservation in Türkiye.

The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (GDNCNP) is currently conducting studies to prepare an action plan for the spotted mullein, which is one of the pilot species prioritized for conservation in Türkiye. These studies are being carried out as part of the project called” Preparation, Implementation and Monitoring of Species Action Plans for Endangered Species in Turkey within the Concept of a New Methodology”.

During the opening of the workshop in a hotel in the city, Professor Ersin Karabacak, a faculty member of the Department of Biology at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, stated that the purpose of the event was to conduct a study on the conservation of Spotted mullein.

Karabacak, who stated that the workshop would last for two days, said the following:

“On the first day we will get to know the species. We are going to take a look at the field work, the threatening factors. General information about the project and methodology shall be provided. On the second day of the workshop, we will collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to conduct a session on protecting this species, its significance, and identifying potential actions that can be taken. Spotted mullein was introduced to the scientific community in 2012. We are working on a plant species that is known to science for only 10 years. It was known from only one locality. During the research carried out within the framework of this project, we have found some populations also in some nearby locations, but the overall known range of the species is still not reaching beyond the borders of Çanakkale province. We need to protect its population from extinction. It is critically endangered. The area and habitats where the species grows are characterized by climate conditions that are preventing this species to grow anywhere. It is restricted to specific small locations. We will work together to ensure the survival of this species and preserve it for the future generations.”

Representatives from various institutions and organizations, including the 2nd Regional Director of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (GDNCNP) Şeref Özgür, the Regional Director of Çanakkale Ozan Hacısalihoğlu, team leader of the Endangered Species Project Borut Rubinić, as well as representatives from the private sector and academia, attended the workshop.