Nature-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) Training in Bursa It has been realized. 27 June 2025

Within the scope of Activity 1.3 of the TERRA Türkiye Project, which aims to reduce disaster risks with nature-based solutions; a one-day comprehensive training and stakeholder workshop was organized in Bursa on 24 June 2025.

In the event hosted by Bursa AFAD, academicians, technical personnel from public institutions, local government representatives and participants from non-governmental organizations came together.

The opening speeches of the workshop were made by Bursa Deputy Governor Mr. Salih Altun and our project managers, Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Department Head Mr. Abdulkadir Tezcan. Then, Project Team Leader Prof. Dr. Yusuf Serengil made a comprehensive presentation about the project's objectives, activities carried out and targeted outputs.

Within the scope of the program, what Eco-DRR is, why it is important and the role of nature-based approaches, especially against disaster types such as landslides and floods, were discussed. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kerem Koçkar informed the participants on this subject. The place of environmental sustainability and ecosystem protection in disaster risk reduction was conveyed by Prof. Dr. Nezih Kamil Salihoğlu. Prof. Dr. Gül Sayan Atanur presented the conceptual framework of nature-based solutions.

In the afternoon sessions, Prof. Dr. Abdurrahim Aydın explained the relationship between ecosystem services and disasters such as rockfalls and avalanches with examples. He shared how these relationships can be analyzed in a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environment. Dr. Sinem Çetinkaya introduced the "OpportunityMap" approach with examples of good practices from around the world.

Participants had the opportunity to actively contribute and share their experiences through discussion sessions held throughout the day. The training workshop was an important step in disseminating nature-based solutions and increasing local capacity in Bursa.