Ebru Dildar Edin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SKD Turkey, made a statement on the occasion of the Earth Hour event in which those who lost their lives in the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş will be commemorated, and pointed out that the sustainability of the region is inevitable for safe shelter, sustainability of natural life resources, clean environment, job security and therefore social welfare.

The “Earth Hour” event, which has been held all over the world since 2007, draws attention to the climate crisis and loss of nature. In this year’s Earth Hour event in Turkey, the lights are turned off for those who lost their lives in the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes on February 6. SKD Turkey Chairman of the Board Ebru Dildar Edin, in her statement on this meaningful day, drew attention to the vital importance of restructuring the disaster area on the basis of sustainability.

In her statement, Ebru Dildar Edin said, “Assigning a reliable future to our people in the disaster area is our only priority from now on. Here, too, our only chance is to implement remedial actions in the economic, social and environmental fields with the roadmap centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We are determined to be a guide and guide in the structuring of 11 provinces affected by the disaster in a way that will provide the best benefit to the people of the region, with sustainable-based planning.” Addressing the sustainability issues in the region one by one, Edin touched upon the following issues in his statement:

Waste Management

First and foremost, we would like to draw attention to the fact that the management of existing debris removal works in accordance with the disposal methods included in the legislation carries environmental risks.
We are aware that a very difficult amount of waste has emerged.
On the other hand, there are methods that will ensure that this type of demolition waste can be recycled and contribute to the circular economy.
In order to be able to implement these methods, first of all, temporary storage areas should be determined and established according to the amount and type of waste, without causing a disaster in the environment.
Otherwise, it is estimated that the wastes in the region may cause pollution of agricultural areas in the medium and long term, the mixing of harmful chemicals, especially asbestos, into groundwater and soil, the spread of different epidemics and the risk of cancer in the advanced stages.

Access to Clean Water and Safe Food

The drought that the region faced after the devastating effect of the earthquake is also a serious problem.
However, there are also problems in accessing clean water due to damage to the infrastructure.
The 11 provinces affected by the earthquake produce 15.5 percent of Turkey’s total agricultural production.
It is vital that a new structure with water-saving practices and reliable farming methods be implemented in the region as soon as possible. It is also important to carry out analyzes on water and soil security in order for agricultural activities to continue.
Otherwise, the increase and spread of epidemic disease cases is inevitable.
We foresee that the problems to be experienced in agricultural products will also increase food prices.

Green Transformation in OIZs

Structuring the organized industrial zones, which are the backbone of the regional economy due to their employment source and trade volume, in line with the principles of green transformation; thus, it is important to increase the contribution to the region and the Turkish economy in sustainable employment and green trade.
Evaluating the entire potential of the region in renewable energy sources will also contribute greatly to the energy supply security of our country.

Social Inclusion and Inclusion

It is our greatest responsibility to provide socially and economically strengthened community welfare in the region.
A very large population is experiencing the devastating effects of the disaster and will continue to do so.
In the region, we have to work with all our resources in public, business world and non-governmental organizations.
Psychological rehabilitation of everyone living in the region with women; should be among the urgent needs in terms of being able to be included in the work environment, education, social life and daily routine again.
For this, we need to create employment security for all vulnerable groups.
We must mobilize so that even one of our children does not fall behind in education by preserving the equality of opportunity in education.
We need science more than ever.
We must ensure that our women take an active role at the table and in the field in all processes.

Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency