In our previous article titled "Sometimes Good Things Happen," we said that "the parties involved can find common ground on a solution." In journalism, following up on the subsequent stages of a news story is called "follow-up." This news story is an example of follow-up. The outcome of the initial meeting led to this meeting.

Let's hope for the best...

Regarding the news… As part of local governance, the “Sustainable Water Management and Drought-Tolerant Landscape Information Program” meeting was held under the auspices of the Union of Turkish Municipalities (TBB). The opening speeches at the meeting, which took place last January, were given by Neşat Onur Şanlı, Deputy General Director of Water Management at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; Feridun Ulutaş, Deputy Secretary General of the TBB; and Barış Işık, President of the Chamber of Landscape Architects of the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB).

Acting together

In summary, The importance of a holistic approach centering on water consumption in urban planning and landscape applications was emphasized. It was highlighted that drought-tolerant landscaping is not merely an aesthetic choice, but a strategic approach related to water efficiency, adaptation to the climate crisis, and the effective use of public resources. The importance of collaboration among all stakeholders was also noted.

Information panel…

The meeting continued with the "Drought-Tolerant Landscape Information Panel." Speakers at the panel included Aslıhan Korkmaz, Head of the Water Efficiency Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; Özay Yerlikaya, Vice President of the Chamber of Landscape Architects of the Union of Turkish Chambers of Engineers and Architects (TMMOB); Prof. Dr. Emine Figen Dilek from Ankara University; and Dr. Ahmet Cemil Tepe, Landscape Architect from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM).

If all the texts were published…

The program continued with post-panel training sessions, starting with a presentation by Dr. Nihan Yegin Yarayan titled “The Legal and Institutional Framework of Drought-Tolerant Landscapes for Municipalities.” Following this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emrah Yalçınalp informed participants on “The Drought-Tolerant Landscape Approach: Basic Concepts and Application Principles” and “An Applicable Drought-Tolerant Landscape Model for Turkey: Technical Decision-Making Processes.” Our conclusion from the meeting: All participating organizations presented similar and supportive views. Therefore, they need to continue communicating to further the outcome. Note: Publishing the full texts of the information presented in the training sessions would be very beneficial.