Erdem Vardar

Erdem Vardar is the founder and director of YUVA, a Turkish NGO that works on environmental and social justice issues. Erdem has over 15 years of experience working in the NGO sector in Turkey and internationally.

Erdem started their career as a campaigner with Greenpeace in 2001. Erdem worked on a variety of issues including forests, climate change, and toxic chemicals. In 2005, they were promoted to international campaigner and worked on global campaigns.

In 2006, Erdem left Greenpeace to take a position as campaigns coordinator with Amnesty International. Erdem worked on human rights issues in Turkey and the Middle East.

In 2008, Erdem moved to Brussels to work as campaign officer with the NGO Platform on Shipbreaking. Erdem campaigned for improved safety and environmental standards in the shipbreaking industry.

In 2010, Erdem left the NGO sector to start their own consultancy, Karma Consultancy. Erdem worked with a variety of clients on social and environmental issues.

In 2012, Erdem returned to Turkey to start YUVA. YUVA works on a variety of issues including climate change, air pollution, and food waste.

Erdem Vardar attended the deutsche schule istanbul for their primary and secondary education. Erdem then went on to study at the istanbul technical university for their bachelor's degree. Finally, they completed a master of science at marmara university.

Some individuals on their team include Deniz Dinçel - Project Manager, Banu Binbaşaran - Global Literacy Network Education Programs Officer, and Özge Sönmez - Program Director.