As part of the EU Partnership for Local Climate Action in Türkiye Project, an online event was held on 13 December 2024, where representatives from Antalya and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipalities presented their best practices in addressing climate change to municipalities across Türkiye. Both municipalities shared their successful projects and experiences, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The event began with opening speeches by Mr. Orhan SOLAK, Deputy Director of Climate Change, Ms. Meral MUNGAN ARDA, Climate Change and Environment Portfolio Manager at UNDP Türkiye, Mr. Christian BALLARÒ, Program Officer at the EU Delegation to Türkiye and Ms. Fatma ŞAHİN, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. The speakers emphasized the critical role of local authorities in tackling climate change and the value of cooperation in developing effective solutions.
Representatives from Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality showcased their efforts within the framework of their Climate Action Plan and Green City Action Plan. They highlighted sustainable strategies developed through zero-carbon building projects and social vulnerability analyses. Their innovative waste management projects included methane recovery facilities, Bokashi compost applications, and greenhouses powered by waste heat. In the renewable energy sector, they shared their initiatives involving solar and biogas energy plants, as well as green hydrogen production. Additionally, they discussed sustainable agriculture and transportation practices, such as solar-powered irrigation systems and nature-based solutions.
The afternoon session began with speeches by Mr. Orhan SOLAK, Deputy Director of Climate Change, Ms. Meral MUNGAN ARDA, Climate Change and Environment Portfolio Manager at UNDP Türkiye, Ms. Virve VIMPARI, Counsellor, Head of Section Green Development and Inclusive Growth, at the EU Delegation to Türkiye and Mr. Muhittin BÖCEK, Mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality.
Representatives from Antalya Metropolitan Municipality shared their experiences in international cooperation projects, such as Horizon 2020 initiatives, also including Climaxx, NetZeroCities, and the AFAD Climate Risk Project. Their presentations also covered water efficiency projects led by the ASAT General Directorate, along with efforts in drought-resistant landscaping, carbon sink development, waste management, energy production, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and marine pollution control.
Interactive Q&A sessions throughout the event strengthened the exchange of knowledge among municipalities. Participants discussed actionable strategies to enhance local authorities’ capacity to address climate change challenges.
This event is part of the capacity-building activities under the EU Partnership for Local Climate Action in Türkiye project, and the sharing of best practices will continue throughout the project’s duration.
Click here to watch the full recording of the event.