21.07.2026 18:10
The Lake Van Basin Sustainable Future Workshop final declaration has been shared with the public.
The Zero Waste Foundation, in collaboration with the Van Governorship, Bitlis Governorship, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Bitlis Eren University, Van Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and Bitlis Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, organized the “Van Lake Basin for the Future – Common Mind Platform / Van Lake Basin Sustainable Future Workshop”, which was completed after the second day’s thematic table studies and evaluation sessions. The declaration prepared at the end of the workshop was shared with the public. Under the patronage and vision of Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, Founder of the Zero Waste Movement, President of the United Nations Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board, and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation; the workshop, held over two days with the participation of representatives from public institutions, local governments, universities, research organizations, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, presented a holistic approach to the environmental, economic, social, and cultural future of the Van Lake Basin.
1 Basin, 2 Cities, 14 Ministries, 40 General Directorates
The workshop was held with the participation of a total of 325 participants, including 2 cities, 14 ministries, 40 general directorates, provincial directorates, 85 academics, students, NGOs, and the private sector, all within 1 basin. On the second day of the workshop, during the thematic table studies, participants conducted comprehensive evaluations under the headings of Climate, Water and Ecosystem, Spatial Planning and Quality of Life, Economic Development and Cultural Values, and Governance and Future Vision.
Declaration Shared with the Public
Following the workshop organized for the protection and sustainable future of the Van Lake Basin, the prepared declaration was shared with the public. The declaration included comprehensive recommendations under the headings of governance model, digital transformation, environment, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and development to strengthen the ecological, social, and economic structure of the basin. At the closing of the workshop, speeches were made by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion Samed Ağırbaş, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Burak Demiralp, General Director of Environmental Management at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Fatih Turan, Van Governor Ozan Balcı, Bitlis Governor Ahmet Karakaya, 23rd Term Van Deputy and Presidential Chief Advisor Gülşen Orhan, and Bitlis Eren University Rector Prof. Dr. Necmettin Elmastaş.
“What We Have Done and Will Do to Protect the Treasures of Van Lake Were Discussed”
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı emphasized the importance of studies on planning towards the 2050 target, saying, “The past, present, and future of the Van Lake Basin were discussed. I thank our expert academics, valuable participants, and everyone who contributed to creating the roadmap for the basin for the upcoming period. What we have done and will do to protect the treasures of Van Lake were discussed.”
“Climate Change Is an Important Reality at the Heart of Our Lives”
Stating that climate change is now a part of life, Yumaklı continued: “The issue of climate change is not just a subject of academic study or a column. It is an important reality right at the heart of our lives. The whole world is taking measures accordingly. We are also taking our precautions accordingly. While explaining the water topic, our esteemed President highlights this very important issue as follows: ‘There is no difference in essence between protecting our water and protecting our homeland.’ This statement means that whatever resource you use, you must adhere to its usage balance.”
“Van Closed Basin Master Plan Will Form the Roadmap for the Coming Years”
Scientific studies show us that the Van Lake Basin is one of the regions most affected by climate change. Our main goal is to plan the future. We are not discussing today; we are striving to plan the future. The Van Closed Basin Master Plan will also form the roadmap for the coming years.”
“This Workshop Is a Milestone”
General Director of Environmental Management at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Fatih Turan stated, “This workshop is a milestone. A point has been reached within the framework of the Van Lake Basin Protection Action Plan declared in 2020. This was a study for the technical protection and development of the basin. This workshop, in line with our 2053 and 2071 targets, will lay out the constitution of the basin in cultural, sociological, and ecological contexts. We aim to share this work at COP31.”
“Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan’s Strong Vision Was the Most Important Source of Inspiration”
President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion Samed Ağırbaş noted that not only a workshop was completed, but also the first step was taken to implement the roadmap of common sense, science, and strong collaboration, stating, “We are proud to have conducted one of the most comprehensive workshops in the history of the Van Lake Basin. Setting common goals that change the future, acting together, and implementing the decisions taken are key. The Zero Waste Movement, initiated under the patronage of Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan, has brought a different perspective to environmental management in 81 provinces of Turkey and 193 countries worldwide. This strong vision has been the most important source of inspiration for the comprehensive studies we are conducting for the Van Lake Basin today.”
“We Will Present Our Plastic Report to the Appreciation of Our Nation Very Soon”
Emphasizing that studies conducted without gathering input from all segments have no societal value, Ağırbaş continued: “We visited Ahlat. The tombstones in Ahlat showed us this: Our ancestors left these lands beautiful, clean, and livable. We must leave these lands to future generations in the same way. We can only achieve this with the sensitivity of our fellow citizens living in the Van Lake Basin. Our citizens are very well-intentioned. Unfortunately, there are some habits from the past. We still throw garbage into rivers. We will present the plastic report we are preparing as the Zero Waste Foundation to our nation’s appreciation very soon. As the Zero Waste Foundation, we will follow up on the 2050 vision of the Van Lake Basin. We will continue to carry out societal activities related to all wetlands in Turkey.
“We Will Announce the Willpower in Van Lake to the World as a Good Practice Example”
We held the Zero Waste Forum.
It was the world's largest civil environment and climate change meeting. We will host COP31. Our Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change also serves as its chair. The will demonstrated for Lake Van will be announced to the world as a good practice example. We need the support of our Van and Bitlis fellow citizens in these processes.”
“A Strong Basin Management Model Proposal is Valuable”
Bitlis Eren University Rector Prof. Dr. Necmettin Elmastaş drew particular attention to one of the workshop results, stating, “We are experiencing some problems between Bitlis and Van provinces. Proposing a strong basin management model is valuable. A strong basin management model here, similar to the area presidency in Çanakkale, will be important.”
“We Will Move Forward with Our Dynamic and Scientific Roadmap”
23rd Term Van Deputy and Presidential Chief Advisor Gülşen Orhan expressed that the data obtained through common consensus will illuminate the path, saying, “We will have a more dynamic and scientific roadmap and we will move forward. The Lake Van Basin Protection Action Plan started in 2020 under the leadership of our esteemed President's wife, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan. A new roadmap that will evolve into a new process that will not pollute the basin has been put forward.”
“Protecting Lake Van is Our Shared Responsibility”
Bitlis Governor Ahmet Karakaya, stating that protecting Lake Van is a shared responsibility, said, “Lake Van is a natural heritage. Through the collaboration between our Ministry of Interior and the Zero Waste Foundation, efforts to spread zero waste awareness, prevent waste, and increase environmental awareness have gained further strength. As Bitlis Governorate, we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities from now on.”
“A Development Movement Aimed at Environmental Development”
Van Governor Ozan Balcı, noting that a total investment of 12 billion TL has been made in the city, said, “The involvement of the Zero Waste Foundation brought energy; it became more professional and institutionalized. It also brought a development movement aimed at environmental development. This contributes to a project that will contribute to the peace of the region economically, socially, and culturally.”
“We Will Secure the Lake Van Basin”
Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Burak Demiralp, emphasizing that Lake Van, with its cultural heritage and economic potential, is one of Türkiye's most valuable basins, stated, “Our workshop made valuable assessments on a wide range of topics. Our common opinion is that we will secure the Lake Van Basin for future generations through the coordination of our institutions.”
Lake Van Basin Sustainable Future Workshop Final Declaration
At the end of the workshop, the final declaration prepared following the workshop organized for the protection and sustainable future of the Lake Van Basin was shared with the public. The declaration included comprehensive recommendations under the headings of governance model, digital transformation, environment, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and development that will strengthen the ecological, social, and economic structure of the basin.
Among the most important recommendations of the workshop was the creation of a single, legal entity, financially autonomous, and strong basin management model for the Lake Van Basin. In this context, it was recommended to establish the Lake Van Basin Digital Management Center Supreme Board with an independent budget, prepare a new legal framework clearly defining authorities and responsibilities, and implement a holistic planning approach at the basin scale. Additionally, it was emphasized that a 1/25,000 scale master development plan should be prepared as a priority to ensure the Lake Van Basin Protection Action Plan can be implemented in harmony with spatial plans.
Educational Programs Should Be Expanded
Under the digital transformation heading, it was recommended to establish data-based monitoring mechanisms in areas such as migration, employment, education, and environmental awareness, conduct regular scientific research, and expand educational programs to increase digital literacy. It was advised to establish the EKOZEKA VAN system to ensure inter-institutional data sharing, produce data compatible with the Türkiye National Geographic Information System, and create an integrated digital infrastructure combining sensor networks, geographic information systems, and digital twin technologies.
Modernization Efforts Should Be Accelerated
In the environment and infrastructure field, prominent topics included protecting biodiversity, strengthening water resources and carbon sink areas, developing wetlands, and increasing urban forests and green spaces. It was recommended to convert open canals to closed systems in agricultural irrigation, improve sewer infrastructure for more efficient operation of wastewater treatment plants, switch to separate systems in necessary areas, and accelerate modernization studies to reduce loss-leakage rates in drinking water networks.
A New Airport Should Be Built
Under the tourism and economic development heading, it was stated that the natural, cultural, and historical values of the Lake Van Basin should be preserved and branded on a national and international scale. While recommending directing national and international green finance sources, especially to SMEs, to accelerate green transformation investments, strengthening transportation infrastructure and building a new airport were also among the recommendations to increase the basin's tourism potential.
Region-Specific Products Should Be Transformed into Value-Added Products
In the field of agriculture and livestock, it was stated that region-specific products, especially pearl mullet, should be transformed into value-added products, women's cooperatives and local entrepreneurship should be supported, a product pattern suitable for the basin should be created, and certified agricultural enterprises should be expanded. To increase agricultural water efficiency, it was recommended to promote drip and pressurized irrigation systems, utilize Van's high solar radiation potential, and raise awareness among farmers. Additionally, it was emphasized that practices to increase employment for the young population in rural areas should be supported.
Strong Governance, Integrated Planning, Digital Transformation
In the declaration prepared at the end of the workshop, it was stated that implementing a holistic basin management approach based on strong governance, integrated planning, digital transformation, protection of natural resources, sustainable infrastructure, social awareness, and economic development is a priority necessity for the future of the Lake Van Basin.The declaration stated that the implementation of the proposed recommendations in collaboration with relevant institutions and organizations will significantly contribute to the ecological, social, and economic sustainability of the Lake Van Basin.
Issues Specific to the Lake Van Basin Addressed with a Broad Perspective at Thematic Tables
During the workshop sessions, topics such as adaptation to climate change, protection of water resources, wastewater and solid waste management, enhancement of biodiversity, conservation of coastal areas, sustainable urbanism, agriculture and food security, green transformation, circular economy, tourism, preservation of cultural heritage, digital transformation, and institutional coordination were addressed. Participants evaluated the basin's current problem areas, risks, and solution proposals with a multi-stakeholder approach.
In the assessments conducted within the scope of the workshop, it was emphasized that the Lake Van Basin should be considered not only as a natural ecosystem but also together with its surrounding settlements, production areas, cultural values, and economic structure. A common consensus emerged on strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, promoting data-based decision-making processes, and adopting a long-term policy approach for the sustainable management of the basin.
The Final Report Will Contribute to the Lake Van Basin 2050 Vision
The final report, to be prepared based on the assessments made over the two days, will include policy recommendations for protecting water resources, strengthening natural life systems, increasing resource efficiency, developing climate-resilient basin management, and supporting sustainable development.
The joint assessments created at the end of the workshop are expected to contribute to the studies to be carried out in line with the Lake Van Basin 2050 Vision and guide the creation of an applicable roadmap for the basin's future. The “For the Future Lake Van Basin – Common Mind Platform” brought together experts and institutions from different disciplines around the same table, strengthening the sense of shared responsibility for the protection of the Lake Van Basin while establishing an important consultative ground that will contribute to the vision of a sustainable future.