Speaking at the event where Turkey's "National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan" was being prepared, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Fatma Varank stated that this plan will play an important role in Turkey's achievement of zero emission targets. Varank said, "This model not only supports sustainable resource management, but also offers innovative business models and employment opportunities."
Within the scope of the Technical Support Project for the Assessment of Turkey’s Circular Economy Transition Potential (DEEP Project), which shapes our country’s vision of transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy, 4 technical study visits and 15 evaluation reports were prepared. Turkey’s “National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan” was prepared in trainings and workshops attended by more than 2 people. Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Fatma Varank, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Head of the European Union Delegation to Turkey Thomas Hans Ossowski and Director General of Environmental Management Fatih Turan attended the closing ceremony of the events held in Ankara.
THE MOST CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF ZERO WASTE SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
Referring to Turkey’s environmental sustainability efforts, Varank stated that the Zero Waste Project, which was launched in 2017 under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s wife Emine Erdoğan, is one of the most concrete examples of these efforts. Deputy Minister Varank drew attention to the fact that the “National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan”, preparations for which have been completed within the scope of the DEEP Project, will play an important role in Turkey reaching its zero emission targets:
As part of our project, we have prepared a National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan specific to our country. This model not only supports sustainable resource management; it also offers innovative business models and employment opportunities. We will realize this transformation by working hand in hand with all our stakeholders, from industrialists to academics, from civil society organizations to our youth.
OSSOWSKI: WE CAN TRANSFORM NOT ONLY THE ENVIRONMENT BUT ALSO THE TURKISH ECONOMY
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey, Thomas Hans Ossowski, said that Turkey has made significant progress in environmental standards. Stressing that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and century, Ossowski said, “The devastating consequences of climate change are worse than we expected. It is very important for Turkey and the European Union to be close and partners in this transformation. I believe that Turkey will achieve concrete results in reducing its carbon footprint and increasing environmental sustainability with this project. Together, we can transform not only the environment but also the Turkish economy.”
TURAN: WE HAVE DETERMINED 52 ACTIONS
Fatih Turan, General Manager of Environmental Management, also provided the following information about the National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan:
Within the scope of the project, impact analysis studies were conducted in the sectors with high circularity potential such as packaging, batteries and vehicles, electrical-electronics, food and biomass, construction and buildings, plastics and textiles. In line with these analyses, we determined 6 strategic goals, 22 objectives and a total of 52 actions. While 27 of these actions bring responsibility for developing legislation, 25 include measures for implementation covering infrastructure, financing and institutional structure.
