Young People Come Together for a Sustainable Future

As part of an international environmental project between Bornova and Bremen, İzmir’s sister city, Turkish and German young people came together, hosted by Bornova Municipality. The event focused on combating the climate crisis and sustainable waste management. Future environmental ambassadors learned how to turn waste into valuable soil nutrients through hands-on composting training.

Young People from Sister Cities Unite in the Fight Against Climate Change

A major environmental initiative has been launched in partnership between Bornova Yunus Emre Anatolian High School and Oberschule an der Schaumburger Straße, a school based in Bremen, Germany. Carried out under the “Youth Bridge Project,” the initiative, titled “Waste Separation in Germany and Türkiye: Developing Sustainable Environmental Awareness and Skills,” brought young people from the two countries together around a shared environmental vision.

A special program organized by Bornova Municipality’s Directorate of Climate Change and Zero Waste at the First-Class Waste Collection Center provided students with comprehensive training on vital issues, including the causes of global warming, strategies to combat climate change, climate adaptation efforts and the protection of water resources.

Waste Gives Life to the Soil: Composting Workshop

Following the theoretical sessions, Turkish and German students took part in practical training, experiencing the recovery of organic waste firsthand through the “Composting Workshop.” The training highlighted waste separation at source, the prevention of food waste, and the ecological and economic value of reuse and recycling. Bornova Municipality experts also informed the young guests about the environmental protection and zero-waste projects carried out across the district, sharing the municipality’s local practices and experience.

Mayor Eşki: “A Sustainable Future Begins with Local Action”

Highlighting the importance of the international partnership, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that combating the climate crisis is a global responsibility, but meaningful progress begins at the local level.

“We are proud to welcome young people from Bremen, İzmir’s sister city, and our children and young people from Bornova to our municipality, and to share with them a vision of a greener world. The climate crisis is a common problem that knows no borders. The most powerful way to tackle it is to raise environmentally conscious generations who can transcend borders.

As Bornova Municipality, we are carrying out pioneering initiatives across our district in areas such as zero waste, compost production and water efficiency. The experiences our young people gain here, particularly learning how to transform kitchen waste into compost that gives life to the soil, represent one of the most valuable investments in the future. We will remain committed to building a culture of sustainable living for the generations to come.”