In ornithology, bird ringing is one of the most important and widespread techniques for studying migration (migration routes, migration strategies, phenology, breeding, wintering and stop-over sites) and population dynamics (survival rate, breeding success, age of first breeding, life span, dispersal rate) of birds. With standardized ringing, it is possible to monitor bird populations and take effective conservation measures accordingly.

Although Turkey is located on very important bird migration routes and has a rich avifauna; there have been no systematic ringing studies in Turkey until 2002. Finally, Turkish Bird Research Society (KAD) carried out the first pilot ringing study with Turkish rings in 2001. Later, in March 2002, the National Ringing Scheme was formally launched after the signing of a protocol among KAD, Biology Department (METU) and National Parks and Game-Wildlife Authority. Ondokuz Mayıs University also got involved in the scheme with ringing at the Kızılırmak Delta. During spring 2002, more than 15,000 birds were ringed in Turkey at four stations, namely Kızılırmak Delta, Manyas National Park, METU and Titreyengöl- Manavgat. In addition, there were recoveries from many countries. During autumn studies, which are still going on, around 10,000 birds has been ringed at 3 stations (Kızılırmak Delta, Manyas National Park and METU) so far.

The success of ringing work (in terms of increase in the number of ringed birds, increase in recoveries, founding and continuation of new stations at other areas which are located on important bird migration routes) depends on regular studies, which in turn depend on experienced ringers. There is a big deficiency in the form of experienced ringers in Turkey. In addition, public awareness is very important for recoveries. There was not any effort in the past aiming to raise public awareness on the importance of bird ringing.

This project aims to expand, improve and publicize the National Ringing Scheme for monitoring and conservation of populations of migratory birds, and increase public awareness on nature and conservation issues in the long term. In this respect, this project aims to develop human resources and capacity in Turkey in this area by means of training ringers, by informing and involving local conservation authorities, by raising public awareness through on-site interaction with birds and information dissemination and finally by fully integrating the Turkish National Ringing Scheme with international initiatives.

Expansion of ringing in Turkey is of international importance in bird migration research. Through this project, it will be possible to obtain the first baseline data, which are necessary for monitoring of biodiversity or ecological changes.