Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) works in collaboration with public institutions, local governments, and relevant stakeholders in Türkiye on issues of water security and efficiency. The University closely follows national-level strategic documents and action plans, and develops practices in line with them. For example, within the framework of the “Green Deal Action Plan” prepared by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, policies that enhance water efficiency in production and consumption processes are supported, and KTU contributes through awareness-raising activities and research efforts.
Similarly, the “Water Efficiency Strategy Document and Action Plan (2023–2033)” published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry aims to ensure more efficient use and sustainable management of water. In line with this national strategy, KTU implements water-saving measures across its campuses—through infrastructure improvements, technical monitoring to prevent leaks, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation methods.
Taking into account the ecological and socio-economic conditions of its region, KTU also conducts scientific research and community-oriented projects in Trabzon and the Eastern Black Sea Region to protect water resources, improve efficiency, and promote sustainable use. This approach ensures both alignment with national goals and contributions to regional development.
In 2024, KTU continued to share its scientific activities on sustainable water management with the public. Asst. Prof. Dr. Osman Üçüncü presented an ongoing campus rainwater management project during a live program titled “Water Efficiency and Everything About Water” broadcast on KTU-TV. The BAP-funded project focuses on collecting rainfall from rooftops and surface flows, treating it through physical and biological processes, and reusing it within campus systems. Dr. Üçüncü highlighted the increasing risks of water scarcity due to climate change and shifting rainfall regimes. (Watch the program)
In the same year, KTU added a new initiative contributing to SDG 6 by organizing a training session on “Hand Hygiene and Oral Hygiene” for its staff. Delivered by Prof. Dr. Saadettin Kayıpmaz from the Faculty of Dentistry, the program emphasized the importance of hand hygiene for health and demonstrated correct handwashing techniques. The second part addressed the individual and societal health impacts of oral hygiene, underlining its role in public health. This initiative not only raised awareness among staff but also strengthened institutional hygiene standards and promoted sustainable cleaning practices across the campus.
In November 2024, local media extensively covered the 6th International Conference on Environmental Chemistry, hosted by KTU in collaboration with Valencia University and Sivas Cumhuriyet University. The conference, held at the Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Congress Center, gathered representatives from academia, government, and industry to discuss sustainable solutions in environmental chemistry and technology, emphasizing the importance of scientific approaches to addressing environmental challenges. (Conference details)
