In collaboration with Istanbul Energy, the Çatalca Municipality took an important step toward the district’s sustainability vision through a workshop organized within the scope of the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP). The event, held at the Çatalca Atatürk Sports Complex, brought together local government representatives, technical experts, non-governmental organizations, and citizens.
The meeting was attended by Istanbul Energy CEO Dr. Yüksel Yalçın; Deputy Mayors Ayhan Tutun, Burak Tan, Ayhan Ormanoğlu, and Atilla Şahin representing Çatalca Mayor Erhan Güzel; municipal council members; neighborhood heads; academicians; and numerous participants.
During the event, topics such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptation strategies, and actionable plans tailored to the district were discussed. Following technical presentations, workshop sessions collected participants’ opinions and suggestions, ensuring that the plan was shaped in a participatory manner suited to local conditions.
In his speech at the workshop, Istanbul Energy CEO Dr. Yüksel Yalçın stated:
"We prioritize working with local governments for a sustainable future. Contributing to Çatalca’s green transformation is both a responsibility and a partnership for us. This process is guided by the vision of Çatalca Mayor Mr. Erhan Güzel: ‘a clean environment and a Çatalca that produces its own energy.’ This vision has been key in shaping our project. SECAP allows us to anchor this shared goal in a systematic and sustainable framework."
The SECAP report, prepared as part of the European Union alignment process, not only provides a strong foundation for the district’s climate change efforts but also opens opportunities to benefit from EU support programs. Among the plan’s targets are a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
While there are 1,423 municipalities across Turkey, fewer than fifty have completed this process so far. Çatalca’s ranking among the first 100 is regarded as a significant achievement in terms of planning, collaboration, and vision.
Sustainability projects conducted with many municipalities across Istanbul have become a model of best practice nationwide. The workshop held in Çatalca stands out as a successful example of this approach. The scientific and strategic contributions provided are considered part of a long-term vision aimed at strengthening the climate action capacity of local governments.
The initiatives carried out focus not only on environmental sustainability but also on social participation, institutional capacity, and local ownership. Through the prepared action plans, districts can take more concrete and measurable steps in combating the climate crisis.
At the conclusion of the workshop, it was emphasized that the collaboration between Istanbul Energy and Çatalca Municipality will continue to grow in the coming period.
We are striving to implement energy investments and programs in line with sustainable, technological, and clean energy policies, primarily with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, as well as the public and private sectors.