An international conference organized by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality as part of its “Healthy Gulf” vision has started at the Tarihi Havagazı Fabrikası Cultural Center. Key issues ranging from harmful algal blooms to pollution will be discussed with international experts over two days. The aim is to develop lasting, science-based solutions for the İzmir Gulf.
İzmir Metropolitan Municipality continues its efforts in line with the “Healthy Gulf” vision with determination. Coordinated by the Department of Environmental Protection and Control, and organized in cooperation with İZSU, İZPA and İZDENİZ, the international conference titled “One More Step for a Healthy Gulf,” which will run until March 28, has begun at the Tarihi Havagazı Fabrikası Cultural Center. Held under the theme “Harmful Algal Blooms: Global Experiences and Innovative Solutions for the İzmir Gulf,” the opening session was attended by Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır, Deputy Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Gürkan Erdoğan, General Manager of İZSU, Dr. Işıkhan Güler, Chairman of the Board of İZDENİZ, as well as academics and public officials.

Yıldır highlights sustainability and self-criticism in human–nature relations
Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır stated that pollution in the gulf has steadily increased since the 1950s, reaching levels in the 1980s where it was described as a “dead sea.” He noted that humanity’s relationship with nature has long been based on a self-centered approach, benefiting endlessly from natural resources while avoiding responsibilities. Emphasizing that modern society continues to act in this way, Yıldır said the consequences of this approach are now evident. “Solutions we produce or details we neglect can turn into bigger problems over time. In striving to produce and gain more, we have reached the deepest level of damage. Therefore, we must act with a sustainability perspective, adopt a holistic approach and avoid overlooking any detail,” he said.

Transformation in the Gulf through infrastructure investments
Gürkan Erdoğan, General Manager of İZSU, said that when they took office, they encountered a severe situation in the gulf and quickly prioritized infrastructure investments. He noted that harmful algal blooms and rising temperatures in recent years have further worsened conditions. Erdoğan stated that cleaning works are ongoing in all 34 streams and 55 tributaries flowing into the İzmir Gulf, with approximately 110,000 tons of material removed so far. He also announced that a comprehensive project will begin in Meles Stream.
Within the scope of strengthening wastewater treatment infrastructure, three major facilities have been commissioned, increasing the city’s treatment capacity by 30 percent. Erdoğan underlined that, following rehabilitation works and the commissioning of the fourth phase at the Çiğli Wastewater Treatment Plant—which serves 96 percent of the metropolitan area—the facility regained its environmental permit last week after seven years. “This document certifies that the facility operates properly and is monitored in real time by the Ministry. It also enables up to 50 percent energy incentives. We have regained it after seven years, which we believe puts an end to ongoing debates,” he said.
Erdoğan added that stormwater separation lines across the city are being rapidly expanded, with work equivalent to 25 percent of all historical efforts completed to date. He also noted that 1.2 million tons of sediment have been dredged from the gulf, and that works along the Bostanlı–Mavişehir coastline have increased water depth from 50–60 centimeters to 3–4 meters, significantly reducing accumulated pollution.

Metropolitan Municipality takes action
Dr. Işıkhan Güler, Chairman of the Board of İZDENİZ, emphasized that the İzmir Gulf has a fragile ecological balance due to limited water circulation and that increasing urbanization and industrialization have deepened pollution issues. He stated that the Gediz River and 33 other streams continuously carry nutrients and sediment into the gulf, leading to the proliferation of macroalgae and sea lettuce, and triggering microalgal blooms in summer months.
Güler stressed the need for a basin-wide management plan and science-based, integrated measures for the restoration of the gulf. He noted that extensive efforts are underway to monitor the gulf with 28 optical and thermal cameras to detect polluters. Over the past two years, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality has implemented projects to protect and improve the gulf, including wastewater treatment infrastructure, stream cleaning, dredging and initiatives to increase water circulation.
He added that emergency measures, such as modified clay applications, have strengthened the gulf’s self-renewal capacity. Emphasizing that the İzmir Gulf is not merely a body of water but a vital element of the city’s history, identity and future, Güler said its protection is critical not only for the environment but also for urban life, the economy and cultural heritage.

“Central government should also take responsibility”
Highlighting the workshops organized to bring together science, local administrations and national and international experience to develop joint solutions for the future of the İzmir Gulf, Güler concluded: “A healthy gulf is a long-term process and cannot be considered solely the responsibility of local governments. The central government also bears significant responsibility. All gulfs in Türkiye face similar challenges, shaped by national policies. The İzmir Gulf is a public asset under state authority and administration. Any new regulation requires approval from the relevant ministries. However, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality does not say ‘this is not my responsibility’; it continues to address the issue in all its dimensions and actively contributes to the solution process.”
 

Diğer Haberler

Tüm Haberleri Gör