The opening ceremony of the Project on “Better Futures with Enhanced Capacity and Awareness on Climate Change” prepared by the Department of European Union and Foreign Relations of Bilecik Governorship Provincial Directorate of Planning and Coordination within the scope of the “Grant Program of Capacity Development in the Field of Climate Change in Turkey”, was held on December 14, 2017 in Conference Hall of Bilecik Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The ceremony was attended by approximately 150 people, including Tahir Büyükakın, the Governor of Bilecik,, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Taş, the Rector of Şeyh Edebali University, Mefail Ateş, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, district governors and mayors, Provincial Directors, NGO representatives and project partners.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Tahir Büyükakın pointed out the consequences of climate change and said that everyone from the age of 7 to 77 has important tasks regarding this issue. Governor Tahir Büyükakın emphasized that the studies to be carried out on this issue with awareness and sensitivity are of great importance in terms of recovery. “Due to technological development, changes in living conditions, industrialization, changes in consumption habits and many other reasons, we are faced with a number of negative situations regarding climate change and environment. But it is our duty to prevent them. We have no right to disrupt the current liveable state, while reconstructing the world,” said Governor Tahir Büyükakın by stating that what needs to be done for all living things to live in harmony with each other, should be done urgently.

He said “We must continue our lives without forgetting our values. Our belief, tradition, customs require this,” and stated that they will give endless support to all projects to be carried out on this subject.

Having mentioned that the “Project on Better Futures with Enhanced Capacity and Awareness on Climate Change” carried out by Bilecik Governorship has been accepted by IPA within the scope of the “Grant Program of Capacity Development in the Field of Climate Change in Turkey”, İbrahim Bektaş, Provincial Director of Planning and Coordination, said that this project is the first project in Bilecik, which receives grant.

Having stated that the “Project on Better Futures with Enhanced Capacity and Awareness on Climate Change” is the most collaborative project among the projects on climate change in Turkey, İbrahim Bektaş, Provincial Director of Planning and Coordination, said that this issue is not only the specialists’, but everybody’s responsibility. Project Coordinator Mehmet Yılmaz made a presentation about the project.