Within the scope of the EU Partnership for Local Climate Action in Türkiye Project, the online event “Best Practice Sharing Meeting: Addressing Climate Change in Local Authorities” was held on 27 August 2025. During the meeting, Bursa and Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipalities shared their practices and experiences in addressing climate change with other municipalities.
The opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Halil Hasar, Director of Climate Change, Maria Luisa Wyganowski, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, and Miodrag Dragisic, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Türkiye. Mustafa Orkun Gazioğlu, Deputy Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, and Ahmet Aksoy, Deputy Mayor of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, also presented their municipalities’ vision for climate action.
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality presented the roadmaps developed under its climate change and green city action plans, along with the processes for their implementation. The presentation also included initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental literacy, such as the IDEATHON idea contest and the Environment Academy, which encourage youth participation. Further details were provided on the implementation of the ISO 50001 energy management system, energy efficiency measures in public buildings, and investments in solar power. The operation of waste-to-energy facilities and the digital tracking system used for construction waste management were also discussed as part of the municipality’s work.
Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality shared its efforts carried out within the scope of the local climate action plan, as well as its experience with CRAS risk assessments and CDP reporting. Awareness-raising activities included interactive storybooks for children and training programs organized in women’s centers. In addition, zero waste and integrated waste management practices, renewable energy projects carried out by ŞUSKİ, smart agriculture initiatives, and drought-resistant landscaping were among the other examples presented by the municipality.
The meeting served as an effective platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among municipalities. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the initiatives of Bursa and Şanlıurfa and to gain inspiration for their own local climate action efforts.
This event was one of the capacity-building activities carried out under the EU Partnership for Local Climate Action in Türkiye Project. The sharing of good practices will continue throughout the project’s implementation.
Click here to watch the full recording of the event.