Local Voices for Greener Futures: Stakeholder Meetings in Istanbul

Published on April 29, 2025

From February 26–28, 2025, the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) hosted a series of stakeholder meetings for GREENCITIES – Acting Together for Greener Cities, as part of the project’s pilot site development at Ayamama Life Valley. These meetings were supported by the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme and marked an important phase in the participatory planning process in Istanbul.

The meetings brought together a wide range of stakeholders including municipal departments, NGOs, environmental activists, educators, academic institutions, youth representatives, and local residents. The aim was to evaluate the current concept plan of the Ayamama site, identify local priorities, and gather feedback that could strengthen both the ecological and social impact of the area.

Participants discussed the accessibility of the site, needs for biodiversity support, and the potential for the park to serve as a space for education, recreation, and resilience in the face of climate change. Issues such as green infrastructure, urban heat island mitigation, and community ownership of public spaces were highlighted.

The meetings enabled meaningful dialogue between planners and local communities, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and inclusion. Stakeholders also emphasized the long-term sustainability of the site and the importance of integrating educational tools and awareness-raising efforts into its design.