BELGEM Teachers Receive Training for the “Green Transition”

Bornova Municipality has taken another important step toward promoting environmental awareness in educational institutions, in line with its vision of an environmentally friendly and sustainable city. The municipality’s Climate Change and Zero Waste Directorate organized a comprehensive awareness and information session for teachers working at BELGEM (Bornova Municipality Youth Education Center).

The training covered a range of critical topics in detail, including the causes and global impacts of climate change, climate crisis mitigation and adaptation policies, waste separation at source, waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and the prevention of food waste.

Mayor Eşki: “We Will Build a Climate-Friendly Bornova with Tomorrow’s Educators”

Emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of sustainable transformation that begins at the local level, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted the multiplier effect of the initiative within educational institutions.

“Combating the climate crisis can only succeed through determined action at the local level, not solely through global initiatives or large-scale policies. Our valued teachers at BELGEM are one of the strongest links in this transformation and the architects of our future.

When our teachers pass on the environmental awareness and knowledge they gain here to their students, sustainable practices such as recycling, composting, and water conservation can become permanent fixtures in our schools. We will continue working together, starting with our educational institutions, to leave our children a greener, more livable Bornova.”

Practical Examples of Sustainability for Schools Shared

Fatma Mesutgil, Head of Bornova Municipality’s Climate Change and Zero Waste Directorate, who led the training, emphasized the global water crisis, carbon footprints, and the ecological and economic importance of waste management.

Mesutgil shared examples of practical and sustainable school models that can be easily implemented in educational institutions, including:

• Converting organic waste into compost.

• Implementing rainwater harvesting systems.

• Improving water efficiency and adopting water-saving practices.

• Properly separating waste at its source.

The training aims to raise teachers’ awareness of sustainable resource use and equip them to effectively guide their students in environmental management practices at their schools.