Sakarya University plays a leading coordinating role in cooperative planning and policy implementation for climate change–related disasters through structured partnerships with national and local government agencies. These collaborations are primarily conducted under the Disaster and Emergency Management Research Center (DIVAM), Civil Defense and Occupational Safety Units. The University ensures that climate resilience, risk reduction, and adaptation principles are systematically integrated into its disaster preparedness and community engagement strategies.
Türkiye’s National Climate Action Framework (2024–2030)
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye published two key national policy documents the “Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030)” and the “Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030)” establishing the country’s roadmap for a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. These plans include cross-sectoral strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in energy, industry, buildings, transport, agriculture, waste, and land use, while also promoting adaptation and resilience in water management, food systems, ecosystems, and urban planning.
Aligned with Türkiye’s Net Zero 2053 target, the framework introduces integrated policies for a just transition, carbon pricing and emissions trading systems, green finance, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms with clearly defined institutional responsibilities and performance indicators. This national strategy encourages universities and local governments to implement climate mitigation and adaptation projects. In this context, Sakarya University’s initiatives on renewable energy, energy efficiency, disaster risk management, and public awareness directly contribute to achieving Türkiye’s national climate goals.
Strategic Partnerships and Joint Planning
Sakarya University collaborates closely with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration), and SEDAŞ (Sakarya Electricity Distribution Inc.) to develop regional disaster preparedness frameworks that address climate-induced hazards such as floods, earthquakes, droughts, and heatwaves. The DIVAM Center contributes scientific data and risk analyses for the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) and participates in the design of local adaptation policies aligned with Türkiye’s 2023–2030 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.
Sakarya University academics also serve as technical advisors in regional planning commissions, assisting with climate modeling, hazard mapping, and resilient infrastructure design. Collaborative planning workshops and scenario-based exercises are regularly conducted with local government units to enhance coordination capacity and early warning systems.
Disaster Preparedness and Cooperative Implementation
The SAÜDAK Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, registered under AFAD, plays an integral role in disaster response coordination. Each year, the University conducts large-scale earthquake evacuation, flood response, and fire safety drills across its campuses, jointly planned with AFAD’s Sakarya Provincial Directorate, the Provincial Fire Department, and the Civil Defense Office. These drills are aligned with regional disaster preparedness plans and support national resilience strategies.
The Fire and Explosion Research Center provides technical training on fire dynamics, explosion safety, and emergency management to local municipalities and industrial partners. Additionally, the Occupational Health and Safety Coordination Office conducts certified training for university staff, while the Mediko Psychological Counseling Center provides post-disaster trauma counseling and psychosocial support to strengthen recovery capacity.
Scientific Research Supporting Governmental Climate Planning
The University’s Research and Development Application and Research Center (SARGEM) and the Faculty of Engineering conduct climate-related R&D projects that contribute directly to disaster risk reduction and sustainable infrastructure. One significant example is the TÜBİTAK-supported U-tube Tuned Liquid Damper Project (2024), led by Prof. Dr. Tahsin Engin in collaboration with Sakarya University, which reduces seismic vibrations by 35–65% and is applicable to both existing and new structures. Furthermore, the SAÜ Earthquake Monitoring Station, established in collaboration with Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory, records real-time seismic activity and provides critical data for local and national early warning systems.
The Sakarya University Climate Innovation Ecosystem within SAU TEKNOKENT supports over 30 sustainability-oriented startups focusing on renewable energy, carbon footprint reduction, smart agriculture, and disaster-resilient technologies. Projects such as DEPAR ARGE (smart grid energy optimization), Germony IoT (energy-efficient monitoring), and Solar-Powered Agricultural Robotics contribute innovative climate technologies that inform regional planning and mitigation strategies.
Community-Level Climate Disaster Planning
The University extends its collaborative efforts beyond research through community awareness initiatives. Sakarya University organizes public education programs during Energy Efficiency Week, Zero Waste Awareness Seminars, and European Mobility Week, all of which address energy conservation, emission reduction, and preparedness for extreme climate events.
In 2024, Sakarya University co-hosted the “Act for Global Warming” Youth Panel with the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality and AFAD, engaging students and local residents in adaptation and emission-reduction dialogues. Additionally, the CLICS 2024 – Climate Change, Sustainability and International Cooperation Conference, co-organized with AFAD and Düzce Municipality, enhanced inter-institutional coordination and policy dialogue on climate disaster preparedness.
Impact and Measurable Outcomes
Through these comprehensive partnerships, Sakarya University contributes to multi-level climate disaster governance and resilience planning in Sakarya Province and beyond.
The university provides technical expertise, research outputs, public education, and institutional data to support evidence-based decision-making by local and national authorities.
This cooperative framework directly supports SDG 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, ensuring that climate adaptation and disaster risk management are jointly developed and continuously improved through science, education, and collaboration.
