Goal 14: Life Below Water
The Izmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) is committed to conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources as part of its dedication to sustainable development. Situated near the Aegean Sea, IZTECH leverages its geographical location to conduct research and initiatives that protect marine ecosystems. Through its environmental science and engineering programs, the institute promotes sustainable fishing practices, marine biodiversity conservation, and pollution prevention in collaboration with both local and global partners. By fostering interdisciplinary research and engaging students in hands-on projects, IZTECH contributes to the health of marine habitats and raises awareness on issues such as marine pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. This commitment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 14, as IZTECH continuously advocates for responsible use of oceanic resources to ensure they remain vibrant and resilient for future generations.
Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education
IZTECH has 2 interdisciplinary programs on sustainable water management: Environmental Engineering Graduate Programs (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) and International Water Resources Graduate Programs (M.Sc. and Ph.D.).
Being located at a highly touristic merging point of Çeşme, Urla and Karaburun, IZTECH offers support and intellectual inputs to local communities.
Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Action
Being located at the Küçük Menderes River Basin, IZTECH is actively involved in the monitoring and developing the river basin management plan in collaboration with the local governments and the Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry.
IZTECH Sustainable Green Campus Coordinatorship holds seminars on the biodiversity of Peninsula Region (Çeşme, Karaburun and Urla Municipalities). In order to make the IZTECH campus an exemplary campus in every aspect, Rector Baran chairs routine meetings with faculty members in order to protect and maintain the ecosystem and biodiversity.
IZTECH Sustainable Green Campus Coordinatorship holds seminars on the biodiversity of Peninsula Region (Çeşme, Karaburun and Urla Municipalities). In order to make the IZTECH campus an exemplary campus in every aspect, Rector Baran chairs routine meetings with faculty members in order to protect and maintain the ecosystem and biodiversity.
Water Sensitive Waste Disposal
Three graduate students from Assoc. Prof. Altan Özkan’s Lab, Tuğçe Sezgin, Cemre Ağaoğlu and Müge Topcu got funding from UNDP-SGP for their project titled Tiny but Mighty: Chasing After Microplastics in Gülbahçe Bay. This project aimed at raising awareness on microplastics and the pollution caused by microplastics in the local community with a specific focus on children. As a part of the project, the project team decided to bring Plastic Free July to the campus, only with some extension.
IZTECH is bound by national legislation called Water Pollution Control Regulation in order to discharge its wastewater to a closed channel that transports wastewater to the nearby IZTECH wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
Scientific studies on marine pollution sources are being conducted at IZTECH. Dr. Alper Baba, Vice Rector, is the principal investigator in the project: Investigation of Seawater Intrusion and Discharge into the Sea in Karaburun Peninsula by Hydrogeological Studies and Mathematical Modeling.
Rector Prof. within the scope of the ‘Water Route’ project prepared to draw attention to drought and make the historical water resources of our region visible. Dr. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Yusuf Baran.
International Gediz and Aegean River Basins Symposium was organized under the coordination of IZTECH.
At the symposium, the problems of the basins flowing into the Aegean Sea were discussed and ideas were exchanged regarding solutions to the problem.