Organized by the Faculty of Forestry, the Faculty of Marine Sciences in Sürmene, and the Faculty of Engineering, the panel titled “Water and Forest Management in a Changing Climate” was held on October 16–17, 2025, at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Culture and Congress Center.

The panel addressed the scientific, technical, and social aspects of climate change and its impacts on water resources, marine ecosystems, and forest areas. Attended by Deputy Governor Ercan ÖTER, Acting Mayor of Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality Ahmet Yüksel GÜLAY, Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali TEMİZ, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Prof. Dr. Ömer KARA, Trabzon Regional Director of Forestry Emin YILMAZ, Director of the Trabzon Police Vocational Training Center (POMEM) İsmail AKINTÜRK, as well as academics, students, and guests, the opening session aimed to discuss the consequences of climate change, whose effects are increasingly felt on a global scale, on water and forest ecosystems, evaluate possible solutions, and raise collective awareness. The panel also sought to establish an integrated and interdisciplinary approach by recognizing Environmental Sciences and Climate Change as priority research areas that demand scientific understanding and sustainable solutions.

“Combating Climate Change Is Only Possible Through the Joint Efforts of Science, Policy, and Society”

In the program, which began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI delivered the opening speech, stating: “Our Faculty of Forestry greatly contributes to understanding the local impacts of climate change through its studies on the role of forest ecosystems in the carbon cycle, climate-resilient forest management, forest fires, erosion, and water regimes. The Faculty of Marine Sciences in Sürmene sheds light on the future of our blue planet through projects modeling the effects of temperature changes and pollution on marine ecosystems. The Faculty of Engineering, on the other hand, produces innovative solutions that serve sustainable development goals through renewable energy, water management technologies, and climate-friendly infrastructure designs. It is only because we know that combating climate change is only possible through the joint efforts of science, policy, and society.”

“We Now Know That Climate Change Has Become a Global Challenge”

In his address, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Prof. Dr. Ömer KARA stated, “We now know that climate change has become a global problem with serious impacts on the economic and social structures of nations. In recent years, we have been witnessing the effects of climate change in our country much more tangibly. Water levels in dams supplying drinking and utility water to several provinces have dropped to critical levels, and in some regions, mandatory water cuts have become inevitable. On the other hand, forest fires are spreading over larger areas and lasting longer, causing irreparable damage to ecosystems. Flash floods triggered by sudden downpours have become more frequent and destructive compared to the past. The impacts of climate change are not limited to terrestrial ecosystems alone; the increase in sea water temperature and the disruption of ecological balance accelerate the spread of invasive species in our seas, adversely affecting native species and fish stocks.” He emphasized that the effects of climate change are not limited to rising temperatures or altered precipitation patterns, but are manifested through declining water resources, degradation of forest ecosystems, forest fires, drought, reduced soil fertility, and loss of biodiversity.

Over the course of two days, experts from various fields discussed in depth topics such as the effects of climate change on rivers, groundwater, water resources, floods, the Black Sea ecosystem, global maritime trade routes, and aquaculture; the importance of forests in climate change and water management; forest fires and climate change; temperature and precipitation rates in the Eastern Black Sea region; water footprint; and the positive impacts of highway projects on climate, forests, nature, and environmental protection. The panel aimed to contribute to the development of adaptation strategies for water and forest management under climate change, and to provide a foundation for new collaborations and ideas in this crucial field.

 

Önceki Sonraki