Water Efficiency Campaign: Industry-Water Meeting” Program Held in Kocaeli
Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, and Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, attended the “Water Efficiency Campaign: Industry-Water Meeting” held at Kocaeli Congress Center.
Minister Yumaklı’s Address on Industry and Water as a Strategic Resource
In his speech, Minister Yumaklı noted that, like in the rest of the world, significant advancements are being made in Turkish industry thanks to technology, artificial intelligence, a skilled workforce, and robust production and transportation infrastructures. He highlighted Kocaeli as the heart of Turkey’s industry and production. Emphasizing the strategic importance of water, he said, “Possessing abundant water resources brings political, social, and economic power. With our growing economy and increasing production, our need for water in industry is also rising. From product preparation to sanitation, water is essential throughout all production processes.”
“A 20% Decline in Water Resources Expected with a 10% Population Increase within Six Years”
Yumaklı pointed out the impacts of climate change on water resources, particularly in the Mediterranean basin, where Türkiye is located and is especially vulnerable. “Türkiye, being one of the Mediterranean basin countries, will feel the impacts of climate change much faster than northern nations. Over the past period, significant efforts have been made to mitigate climate change effects and improve resilience. However, putting these plans into action is crucial,” he remarked.
Addressing population growth and its effect on water demand, Yumaklı explained the international water index and Türkiye’s current position, stating, “A country with 1,700 cubic meters of water per capita is considered water-rich. If it falls between 1,700 and 1,000 cubic meters, it’s under water stress—Türkiye falls in this range, with 1,313 cubic meters per capita. Unless we implement our plans and strategies, it’s possible to drop below 1,000 cubic meters soon. Improving our adaptability to climate change and ensuring water efficiency is essential.”
He also noted that the Water Efficiency Campaign, launched under the auspices of First Lady Emine Erdoğan on January 31, 2023, regained momentum following the disruption caused by the devastating earthquake in Türkiye shortly thereafter.
Targeting 100% Transition to Drip and Similar Irrigation Systems
Yumaklı detailed the campaign’s scope, which includes establishing water efficiency units, reducing losses in drinking water systems, and identifying reuse potentials for wastewater in agriculture, industry, and urban areas. He highlighted the aim to increase the current 33% usage rate of drip and similar irrigation systems in agriculture to 100%, along with ongoing initiatives to raise awareness about efficient irrigation.
He also emphasized the importance of a societal consensus on water conservation, underscoring that water issues transcend personal beliefs or lifestyles: “Water affects everyone equally, and we need a national consensus. The establishment of the National Water Board is a step toward this goal, as it will oversee all water-related activities across Turkey.”
152 Sectoral Water Efficiency Guides Developed to Reduce Water Usage
Within the “Industrial Water Efficiency Plans,” 152 sector-specific water efficiency guides have been prepared to support environmentally friendly and sustainable production in industries, including “Green Organized Industrial Zones.” These guides could potentially reduce water usage by up to 50% in sectors like textile and apparel. Yumaklı highlighted the broader benefits of water conservation, noting, “Besides water savings, there are environmental and economic gains. We can reduce our consumption of clean water resources, decrease associated costs, and lessen energy requirements. By doing so, we indirectly boost our competitiveness in international markets.”
Major Investments in Water and Irrigation
Over the last 21 years, approximately 2.4 trillion Turkish liras (based on 2024 prices) has been invested in over 10,000 water and irrigation projects. Additionally, 1,744 dams and reservoirs have been built under the “Blue Homeland” project to preserve and enhance Turkey’s water resources.
Approximately 2 billion Turkish lira has been invested in water and irrigation projects in Kocaeli. Yumaklı also highlighted the importance of wetland ecosystems, emphasizing that, after rainforests, wetlands are the most productive ecosystems globally. The Ministry is carefully overseeing 6,418 wetlands covering 16 million decares across Turkey.
Cooperation Protocol Signed
Following the speeches, Ministers Kacır and Yumaklı signed the “Cooperation Protocol on Industrial Water Efficiency.” They also presented the “Water Efficiency Management System” certification to Konya Metropolitan Municipality’s Deputy Mayor Mustafa Uzbaş, in recognition of the city’s achievements in water management under the ISO 46.001 standard.