Conserving critical habitats and maintaining traditional harmony between humans and wildlife in the working landscapes of less wealthy areas is a challenge. An irrigation conflict in the Köprülü Kanyon National Park in Türkiye is a dramatic example of such a dilemma. Local farmers traditionally irrigate fields by diverting water via primitive dams and channels from the streams of Taurus Mountain.

The time of irrigation and the time when young fish return down-stream after spawning usually coincide. Although it is traditional, this irrigation method prevents young fish from returning to the river. Uncountable fish are diverted into the sinks of agricultural fields and killed; eventually breaking the natural cycle of reproduction.

This project aims to produce and implement a technical solution with a collaborative social dimension to address this conflict. The first objective is to develop an innovative irrigation “filtering” technology. This technology works mechanically and behaviourally.

It first, filters the water mechanically to eliminate the fish from the irrigation water. Meanwhile an additional device incorporated with the filtering device targets the fish behaviourally to scare and discourage them from swimming into the irrigation diversion channels.

Finally, the project aims to reach and collaborate with locals. A series of trainings and awareness-raising programs are to introduce the importance of practicing agriculture responsibly, the habitat needs of fish and their reproduction cycle, and the maintenance of the filter and the “scare-fish” devices.