Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay hosted the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, and his important delegation, and provided comprehensive information about the city's sustainability and environmental projects. During the visit, Mayor Tugay and Ambassador Ossowski inspected the Peynircioğlu Stream Ecological Corridor Project, which was implemented in line with Izmir's green transformation goals, and the Aegean Forest Foundation Zero Carbon Point Training Center.
The reception, which took place in Mayor Tugay’s office, was also attended by EU Turkey Delegation Political Section Head Stefano Fantaroni, EU Turkey Delegation Climate, Energy and Transport Team Coordinator Göktuğ Kara and İzmir Planning Agency (İZPA) President Prof. Dr. Koray Velibeyoğlu. Potential areas of cooperation between İzmir and the EU and the city’s sustainability vision were discussed during the meeting.
Ambassador Ossowski Praises Izmir and Emphasizes Cooperation
Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, who stated that he was visiting Izmir for the first time, expressed that he was impressed by the beauty and potential of the city. Ossowski said, “The Gulf is very beautiful, Izmir is impressive. We aim to develop close strategic relations and economic cooperation. We have a special interest in ecological issues. We know that Izmir is included in the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities mission. We are aware of the importance of the 2030 target.” Ambassador Ossowski’s statements indicated the importance the EU attaches to Izmir’s sustainability efforts and the possibilities for future cooperation.
Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay emphasized the importance they attach to relations with the EU and said, “We value our relations with the EU. Izmir is a modern city and also an important port city. It has been a prominent place throughout history. Our most important goal is to reduce carbon emissions. We are moving forward with determination by establishing a strong team on this path.” Mayor Tugay’s words revealed the sensitivity of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality to environmental issues and its ambitious goals in this area.
Nature-Based Solutions and Ecological Corridor Review
Following the productive meeting at the office, President Tugay accompanied Ambassador Ossowski and his delegation on an important field visit within the scope of Izmir's climate neutrality studies. The delegation's first stop was, Karşıyaka The Peynircioğlu Stream Ecological Corridor Project, which was implemented within the framework of the European Union Horizon 2020 “Nature-Based Solutions (Urban GreenUP)” program in Mavişehir, became the first project. İZPA President Prof. Dr. Koray Velibeyoğlu provided detailed information to the delegation during the tour about the 40 thousand square meter section of Peynircioğlu Stream between Halk Park and the sea. It was explained to the guests that with this project, an uninterrupted ecological corridor was created using the principles of “Nature-Based Solutions” and important steps were taken to increase the biodiversity of the city.
Izmir's Climate Neutral Vision Presented at the Aegean Forest Foundation
The next stop of the visit was the Aegean Forest Foundation Zero Carbon Point Training Center. Here, İZPA President Prof. Dr. Velibeyoğlu made a comprehensive presentation to Ambassador Ossowski and the accompanying delegation about İzmir’s Climate Neutral City Vision. In the presentation; detailed information was shared about the meticulous work carried out by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality within the scope of the European Union “Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission”, İzmir’s 2074 Vision Framework, Mission City Action Laboratory and other innovative governance tools. In addition; strategies developed by İzmir with local, national and international partners within the framework of thematic city missions such as urban mobility, circular economy, affordable social housing and healthy food systems, projects carried out within the scope of the NetZeroCities Program and potential investment opportunities were also conveyed. This presentation provided the opportunity to effectively convey İzmir’s vision in the field of sustainability and the concrete steps taken in line with this vision to the EU delegation.
President Tugay's hosting of the Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Ossowski, and his accompanying delegation, and his demonstration of Izmir's environmental projects on site are considered to be an important step towards strengthening cooperation between the city and the European Union. Izmir's sustainability goals and the efforts it has shown to achieve these goals are also being appreciated on international platforms.
