Bornova Leaves Its Mark on Climate Diplomacy
Local Cooperation Between Turkey and Portugal Strengthens
As the lead applicant of the European Union-supported project “Sustainable Transport and Water Management in Local Government Services (STORMLOG),” Bornova Municipality carried out a significant study visit to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The technical program, held from May 5 to 9, 2025, was led by Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki and implemented in partnership with Yaşar University and the Energy Cities Network. Mayor Eşki stated that such international engagements contribute greatly to strengthening Bornova’s visibility and influence.
The visit, aimed at gaining knowledge and experience to support long-term strategic planning in the fields of climate and energy management through the STORMLOG Project, marked a key step in reinforcing Bornova’s environmentally-conscious urban vision and developing new locally applicable strategies.
Green City Practices Observed Firsthand
On the first day of the visit, the delegation toured “Lisboa E-Nova – Energy and Environment Agency,” which collaborates with Lisbon Municipality. Lisbon’s climate commitments, greenhouse gas reduction goals, and green infrastructure practices were presented. Urban parks, green corridors, and eco-friendly urban planning strategies offered inspiring examples for Bornova.
Smart Solutions to Flood Risk
On the second day, the team examined massive underground tunnels built under Lisbon’s General Drainage Plan, designed to reduce flood risks. During a site visit in the Campolide district, discussions were held on stormwater management and the long-term effects of infrastructure systems.
A Step-by-Step Transition to an Electric Future
To study sustainable transport systems, technical meetings were held with CARRIS (public transportation operator) and EMEL (bike-sharing coordination center). In-depth discussions on electric vehicle infrastructure and charging systems took place with Mota-Engil Renewing. Lisbon’s low-carbon transport policies caught the attention of the Bornova delegation.
Efficient Management of Water and Energy
Discussions with EPAL, Lisbon’s urban water management company, focused on sustainable drinking water supply and infrastructure management. Meetings with GEBALIS explored energy efficiency practices in social housing and energy-centered social policy models.
International Dialogue for Climate-Friendly Municipalism
On the final day of the visit, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki met with Lisbon Deputy Mayor Filipe Anacoreta Correia. The meeting focused on collaboration opportunities between the two municipalities on sustainable urban policies. A joint commitment was made to develop projects on mobility strategies, energy efficiency, and renewable energy investments.
Visit to the Turkish Embassy in Lisbon
The Bornova delegation also visited Haldun Koç, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Lisbon, where they exchanged ideas to enhance bilateral cooperation at the local government level. It was emphasized that Bornova Municipality’s initiative has brought Turkey and Portugal closer together on a local scale.