As the climate crisis accelerates global heating and intensifies water scarcity, Türkiye is taking decisive steps to raise awareness and promote conservation. Marking World Water Day, celebrated annually on March 22 by the United Nations to highlight the global water crisis, Türkiye’s National Water Efficiency Initiative launched a series of impactful events to emphasise the urgency of water conservation.

"We are living in an era where climate change is fundamentally altering the availability and quality of water resources," Associate Professor Dr Hatice Eser Okten from Izmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) tells TRTWorld. "In regions like ours, where water stress is expected to increase in the coming years, national and international efforts in sustainable water management are more critical than ever."

In a striking display of commitment, the message “Water is Homeland—Protect Water, Protect the Homeland” was projected onto the Galata Tower on March 17 and displayed on banners carried by jockeys in collaboration with the Turkish Jockey Club on March 19. The campaign continued with a series of digital awareness efforts, including informative videos on water conservation, which have been playing on digital screens at Marmaray train stations and inside subway cars since March 17.

On World Water Day, Türkiye intensified its message with high-profile displays across the country’s most iconic landmarks. The 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge were illuminated with banners proclaiming “Water is Homeland, Protect Water, Protect the Homeland”—a reminder that water conservation is not just an environmental concern but a national responsibility. Additionally, in collaboration with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Provincial Mufti’s Office, the same message was displayed on the minarets with digital mahya lights of Istanbul’s most renowned mosques, including the Grand Camlica Mosque. These messages, aimed at fostering public awareness and engagement, remain on display to further reinforce the call for collective water protection.

Today, as part of the World Water Day observance, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge is illuminated in the colours of the National Water Efficiency Initiative—a symbolic gesture underlining the urgency of sustainable water management.

A call for action amid the climate crisis

The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry has emphasised that Türkiye faces a growing risk of water scarcity due to climate change and increasing consumption. With 77% of the country’s water usage allocated to agriculture and the remaining 23% divided between domestic and industrial use, the government is promoting sustainable water management practices. Modern irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems and smart farming are being encouraged to maximise efficiency in agricultural production.

Under the patronage of First Lady Emine Erdogan, the National Water Efficiency Initiative operates on the principle of “Zero Water Loss” and aims to safeguard water resources while ensuring their sustainable use. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has developed a production planning model centered on water conservation, demonstrating a proactive approach to mitigating future shortages.

Water efficiency in Istanbul: a city’s commitment

In a city as densely populated as Istanbul, protecting water resources has never been more crucial. The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry has launched educational programs for farmers and provided rural development support to promote sustainable practices.

In 2024 alone, nearly 36,000 citizens have participated in water literacy training sessions designed to instill a deeper understanding of conservation. Furthermore, the newly established Istanbul Enclosed Vertical Farming Application Center in Kagithane has introduced a revolutionary agricultural model that consumes 95% less water than traditional farming— a model and an initiative seen as a critical step toward future sustainability.

Exporting water conservation knowledge: Türkiye’s global role

Türkiye is not only taking bold steps to protect its own water resources but is also playing a vital role in addressing water scarcity in other regions through education and scientific collaboration.

“In 2022, we initiated a concerted effort to launch an international doctorate program on water management at IZTECH,” said Dr Okten. “As a result, IZTECH secured 4.68 million euros in funding from the European Commission MSCA Cofund program and TUBITAK to coordinate Water4All.”

This groundbreaking program brings together leading universities—Izmir Institute of Technology, Istanbul Technical University, Middle East Technical University, and Gebze Technical University—to provide interdisciplinary and international training for 20 highly competitive doctoral candidates. The program integrates academic fields such as environment, electronics, planning, material science, and energy, emphasising its holistic approach to water management.

Beyond academia, Water4All also has a broader socio-political impact. “As the first call for applications ended, it became clear that many of our doctoral candidates came from Africa and the Middle East—regions struggling with severe water stress,” Dr Okten noted. “This program is not just about academic excellence; it is also about contributing to the training and development of high-potential young researchers from oppressed geographies.”

By equipping researchers with cutting-edge water management strategies, Türkiye is actively addressing water scarcity beyond its borders. “An important outcome of our PhD program is to meet the need for trained water experts in regions where water is becoming increasingly inaccessible,” Dr Okten added.

The role of individual action

Beyond large-scale government initiatives, individuals play a vital role in water conservation. Experts stress that small, everyday actions can collectively lead to significant water savings. Simple measures such as turning off faucets when not in use, shortening shower times, and running dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded can make a substantial difference. Additionally, installing aerators on faucets can reduce water consumption by up to 50%.

Water conservation education starts at an early age in Türkiye, with schools incorporating lessons on the importance of preserving water resources. Children are taught practical habits, such as not letting water run while brushing their teeth, and they participate in environmental awareness programs. Public awareness campaigns, including television commercials, reinforce these lessons by encouraging households to avoid wasting running tap water.

Dr Okten underscored the importance of both national and individual action: “Our research and education efforts must be complemented by a societal commitment to conservation. Whether through policies, scientific advancements, or personal responsibility, water preservation is a collective duty.”

As Türkiye continues to confront the challenges posed by the climate crisis and water scarcity, the National Water Efficiency Initiative serves as a call to action—reminding citizens that every drop counts and that protecting water is, in essence, protecting the future of the nation.