From May 13 to May 17, 2024, the Fundacja Global African Dialogue (GADO) participated in the Learning, Teaching, and Training Activities (LTTA) held in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey. The event, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration around sustainability, recycling, and reducing carbon footprints, was a significant platform for FGAD to engage with international partners and local Turkish institutions.
The first day of the LTTA activities began at the DIA Center in Istanbul with a warm welcome and introductions from the teachers. A workshop on the city’s recycling and waste management policies was conducted, providing insights into the strategies employed by the Istanbul Municipality. Participants, including FGAD representatives, engaged in a hands-on session where they created recycling bin models using waste materials. This was an excellent opportunity to share creative approaches to sustainability in both local and international contexts.
On the second day, the delegation visited Turkey’s first and Europe’s largest waste incineration facility, a vital infrastructure contributing to energy efficiency and reducing Turkey’s carbon emissions. The facility prevents 1.38 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to the impact of 850,000 trees. Following this visit, participants took part in the “Spin Your Wheel and Come” event on Büyükada (Big Island), which included a bicycle tour aimed at raising awareness of reducing carbon footprints through eco-friendly transportation.
The third day saw the group traveling by high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara, underscoring the importance of green travel in reducing environmental impact. In Ankara, FGAD joined a welcome event at a local school, where various workshops and innovation studies were conducted focusing on carbon and water footprints. A visit to the “Zero Waste Training and Simulation Center” in the Capital National Garden followed. This center, established by Altındağ Municipality, represents Turkey’s first “zero waste school” and provided participants with innovative ideas on waste management and upcycling. FGAD members also had the chance to try the center’s simulation game and received fertilizers made from organic waste as a symbolic gift.
The final day of the LTTA activities featured a Project Management and Quality Assurance meeting, which allowed all participants to reflect on the event’s learnings and outcomes. The activities concluded with closing remarks and the distribution of certificates, marking the successful completion of the program.
GADO’s participation in this LTTA event reinforced the organization’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental education, and international collaboration. The shared experiences and knowledge gained during the workshops, tours, and activities will contribute to GADO’s ongoing efforts to promote eco-friendly practices globally.