Project Kick-off Event

The opening ceremony of the EU-supported ‘’Protection of Waters Against Agricultural Pollution Through Establishment of a Monitoring and Reporting Methodology for the Nitrate Action Plans Project-NEPIZ took place on 24 February 2022 in Ankara.

IPA Director of Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Mr. Dr. İsmail Raci BAYER, Head of the Economic and Social Development Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey, First Counsellor Mr. Angel GUTIERREZ HIDALGO, Charge d'affaires Embassy of Poland Mr, H.E.Robert TRZECIAK, Deputy Minister of Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs Ambassador Mr. Faruk KAYMAKCI, Deputy Minister of Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Mrs. Ayşe Ayşin IŞIKGECE were participated in the event.

Turkey’s economic growth and rapid development of agricultural sector in recent years have put significant pressure on surface and ground waters. The European Union supports the efforts of the Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in restoring the balance between natural resources, the environment, and agricultural activities. Also supports the actions of the Ministry for preventing and reducing the negative effects of agricultural activities on water resources.

The scope of this project is to establish a Nitrate Action Plan Monitoring Methodology which includes an appropriate farm selection method for Nitrate Action Plan’s monitoring and to establish a reporting system. Methodology and reporting tools will be integrated into NIBIS (Nitrate Information System) and the effectiveness of Nitrate Action Plans will be monitored and reported.

In addition, it is aimed to develop the technical capacities of the Ministry’s central and provincial personnel in monitoring and reporting the Nitrate Action Plans, and to raise awareness about the recognition and acceptance of the Action Plans by the farmers and stakeholders.

Sustainability, which is at the center of EU policies, aims to make agricultural activities environmentally, economically and socially sustainable and to provide a healthy food source for consumers.

The project with a total budget of € 2.002.500; EU Green Deal targets such as ensuring zero pollution for a toxic-free environment, establishing a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system with the "From Farm to Fork" strategy, and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity are also supported.

For press inquiries and further information please contact: Mrs. Özlem İLHAN Tel: (+90 532) 281 4383, email: ozlemi.ilhan@gmail.com