19.07.2026 18:01
The future of the Lake Van Basin, one of Turkey's most strategic natural and cultural heritages, will be discussed in a major workshop bringing together the public, academia, private sector, and civil society on July 20-21.
A historic step has been taken for the Lake Van Basin, which is at the center of global and regional threats such as climate change, drought, and environmental pollution. In order to determine a long-term roadmap by protecting the environmental, economic, social, and cultural integrity of the basin, the 'Lake Van Basin for the Future – Common Wisdom Platform / Lake Van Basin Sustainable Future Workshop' is being held.
The workshop, to be held on July 20-21, is being realized through a strong partnership of the Zero Waste Foundation, Van Governorship, Bitlis Governorship, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Bitlis Eren University, and the Provincial Directorates of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Van and Bitlis.
ALL STAKEHOLDERS MEET FOR 'COMMON WISDOM'
The basin, which holds strategic importance on a national scale with its unique ecosystem, biological diversity, agricultural areas, and economic potential, is under pressure from drought, rapid urbanization, and pollution. The workshop, which aims to maximize inter-institutional cooperation against these threats, will see participation from public institutions, local governments, universities, research organizations, private sector representatives, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
FOUR MAIN THEMES TO BE ADDRESSED IN TWO DAYS
Scientific and administrative evaluations to be conducted within the scope of the workshop will be carried out under four main thematic headings:
Climate, Water and Ecosystem: Adaptation to climate change, water security, basin resilience, wastewater management, and biological diversity.
Spatial Planning and Quality of Life: Protection of coasts, sustainable urbanism, agriculture, livestock, and food security.
Economic Development and Cultural Values: Green transformation in industry, circular economy, tourism, cultural heritage, and common living culture.
Governance and Future Vision: Institutional coordination, digital transformation, smart basin systems, and the 'Lake Van Basin 2050 Vision.'
TECHNICAL SITE INSPECTION
On the first day of the program, following the opening sessions, participants will go to the field. They will conduct technical inspection visits to see environmental infrastructures, wastewater and solid waste management, and sustainable practice examples in person.
On the second day of the workshop, experts will come together at thematic tables to report on priority risks, solution proposals, new application models, and long-term policy needs.
GOAL: A LIVABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
The comprehensive final report to be prepared after the workshop will shed light on the sustainable future of the Lake Van Basin. Through the Common Wisdom Platform, it is aimed to lay the groundwork for applicable policies in many areas, from the protection of water resources to the construction of cities resilient to climate change, and to leave a protected ecosystem for future generations.