GREENCITIES Project Announced at İPA Campus: A Model from Istanbul to the Black Sea

Published on January 17, 2025

The "Acting Together for Greener Cities - GREENCITIES Project" was officially introduced to the public on September 20th,2024 during a press conference held at İPA Campus. This initiative falls under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, supervised by the National Authority of the European Union Presidency. Focusing on the Black Sea Region, the project aims to protect its rich ecosystem and enhance resilience against climate change. Highlighting rapid urbanization and industrialization in the region, GREENCITIES proposes the creation of sustainable, nature-based urban spaces to mitigate environmental challenges.

A METABOLISM CALLED THE BLACK SEA

The project centers around preserving the dynamic and biodiverse Black Sea ecosystem, promoting sustainability, and enhancing its climate resilience. It envisions urban green spaces that align with the region's ecological framework, aiming to restore biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. These green spaces will serve as a model for sustainable urban planning, fostering harmony between urban development and nature.

AYAMAMA LIFE VALLEY: A Model from Istanbul

The Ayamama Life Valley, inaugurated in 2023 as a reclaimed stream restoration area, stands as a key example of transforming degraded zones into vibrant, sustainable green spaces. It will guide the project’s partners in developing similar parks in their regions. During the process, İPA will document and analyze the ecological and social impacts of Ayamama Life Valley to provide actionable insights. The lessons learned will be shared across project partners in Georgia, Greece, and Romania, ensuring the development of sustainable green spaces in the Black Sea Region.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION FOR LIVABLE CITIES

Led by the Istanbul Planning Agency, the GREENCITIES Project involves municipal partners from Zugdidi (Georgia), Kalamaria (Greece), and Constanta (Romania). These cities will transform unused urban lands into green spaces designed with input from local communities and experts. Through collaborative workshops, environmental training, and public engagement, the project aims to improve public awareness of environmental sustainability and the long-term benefits of urban green spaces. The initiative also promotes solutions for combatting climate change, enhancing urban livability, and fostering cross-border collaboration.