The conservation function of UBRs has to be extended to degraded or potentially degraded areas in and out of core zones. Stream restoration efforts will have significant impact on the protection of biodiversity and water quality in the watershed area. MGI has a key role in the implementation of the UBR concept in the province. UNESCO’s MAB Programme, local universities (ITU and IU), DHKD and other nature protection NGOs, Conservation Councils (CC) of Istanbul, Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF)-Nature Protection Directory and also citizens’ organizations should all take part in the process of developing and implementing UBRs for Istanbul.