Ecosystem Restoration: Promoting Biodiversity in Reclaimed Bozalan Quarry

Promoting biodiversity in reclaimed quarries is crucial as a strong and environmentally responsible approach to land management. This is why our project aims to promote sustainable environmental policies and restore ecological values ​​in areas dominated by limestone rocks in the mines in the Bozalan region of Çanakkale. After the mining process is completed, inclined holes of certain diameters and intervals will be opened on the rocky surfaces of the outer walls of the mines and filled with fertile soil. Seed balls that we have prepared to imitate the natural ecosystem will be planted in these holes and planting activities will be carried out. Lithophyte and chasmophyte plants compatible with the regional flora will be preferred; thus, it will aim to create a structure like the ecosystem of the mining sites. The environmental effects will be analyzed by measuring the photosynthesis rates and carbon capture potential during the planting process. In addition, the positive impact of the project on the carbon footprint will be evaluated by comparing the energy spent with the carbon capture capacity obtained during this process. This approach aims not only to ensure the ecological restoration of degraded areas, but also to set an example for sustainable practices after the mining site at the national and international levels. This project supports the self-renewal capacity of nature after mining activities and aims to produce solutions to global environmental problems.