Seher Akyol was born in Manavgat, Antalya, and grew up in a family of six children. While pursuing a professional career in the tourism and legal sectors, she had the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and countries over many years. Seher, who often took her son to the sea for his healthy development, saw her life change in an instant during a beach walk with him. They witnessed a devastating scene of a sea turtle ran over by an off-road vehicle causing the turtle’s eggs spread by the roadside. Moved by her son’s heartfelt insistence on saving the sea turtle and its hatchlings, Seher began researching ways to take action.

Upon discovering that the sea turtle they found was actually an endangered species, Seher took immediate action to protect the entire coastline for the species' survival. Initially focused on sea turtles, the effort soon expanded into a call to protect the entire coastal habitat. Starting with a personal vigil from a tent she pitched on the shore, Seher engaged local governments to ensure precautions were taken against construction, artificial lighting, and vehicle access in the area. Recognizing that sea daffodils and Mediterranean monk seals were also vital components of this ecosystem, she expanded the scope of her mission, leading to the foundation of the Sea Turtles, Mediterranean Monk Seals, and Sea Daffodils Coastal Protection Association (DEKAFOK).

Since its establishment in 2020, the Association has evolved beyond a conservation initiative into a platform for scientific and public awareness. Collaborations with academics yielded data on the coastal ecosystem, which were then shared with relevant authorities and prompted tangible results, including a ban on trawling. The association has secured vital habitats for sea turtles through a range of targeted interventions, including coastal patrols, the protection of nesting sites, and the mitigation of light pollution to ensure hatchlings reach the sea safely.

Additionally, through its Information and Observation Center, the first of its kind to be officially recognized in Türkiye, the Association organizes educational programs for visitors and students, aiming to spread awareness of nature conservation. As part of the “Duymayan Kalmasın (Spread the Word)” project, students visiting the DEKAFOK Education and Research Center are educated about these endangered species and the methods for their conservation. Nature conservation is addressed through a holistic lens, integrating various activities such as coastal waste collection, composting, recycling, and the promotion of renewable energy. At its center on the Mendirek Peninsula in Manavgat, the Association continues to host visitors and volunteers at its Marine Ecosystem Library, Education and Research Laboratory, and Sea Turtle First Aid and Care Unit.

To date, these initiatives have reached over 45,000 students and continue to thrive through the active participation of volunteers. Hosting 42 domestic and 30 international volunteers annually, the DEKAFOK Association organizes continuous patrols throughout the nesting season to monitor nests and contribute to ongoing scientific research. The Association also offers internship opportunities for volunteers.  Having launched Türkiye’s first Sea Turtle Hotline, the Association also empowers individuals to participate in the conservation process.

Seher’s vision is supported by a dedicated team of scientists whose expertise ensures that the Association’s conservation efforts remain grounded in evidence-based research. These initiatives go beyond the conservation of a specific area, aiming instead to establish sustainable living environments where society and nature can coexist in harmony.

Seher Akyol aims to reach a wider audience with the understanding that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and to help train the next generation of researchers committed to this cause. Envisioning a future where her grassroots initiative is embraced by the wider public, Seher Akyol continues to lead the conservation of coastal ecosystems through the DEKAFOK Association, making a difference in the lives of thousands of living beings.