Sakarya University maintains long-term and structured collaborations with national and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to strengthen community-based climate adaptation, gender-responsive resilience, and environmental sustainability. These collaborations are implemented under the coordination of the Sustainability Coordination Office, Disaster Management Application and Research Center (DIVAM), Fire Application and Research Center, and Center SAU (National Critical Infrastructures Test Bed Center). The university’s cooperation with NGOs integrates education, research, and social engagement activities that align with Türkiye’s 2024–2030 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A prominent example of NGO cooperation is the “Women in Climate Justice Symposium (İklim Adaletinde Kadın Sempozyumu)”, organized in May 2024 in collaboration with the Turkish Women Academics Association (TÜRKKAB), Sakarya University Women’s Research Center (SAÜKAM), and Sakarya University of Applied Sciences. Hosted at the SAU Congress Center, this national event focused on women’s vulnerability to climate change impacts such as water scarcity, migration, and disasters, emphasizing gender-sensitive adaptation policies. Sessions also explored innovative approaches, including bioenergy and biogas production from agricultural waste, community resilience strategies, and the inclusion of women in climate governance. This symposium established a national platform that linked academia, NGOs, local governments, and industry in a dialogue on equitable adaptation and inclusive climate justice.
In 2024, the university also co-organized the 12th National Solid Waste Management Congress (UKAY 2024) with the Kriton Curi Environmental Foundation (Kriton Curi Çevre Vakfı) and the National Solid Waste Pollution Committee. This congress addressed themes of circular economy, green transformation, and urban climate resilience, focusing on maintaining waste infrastructure and essential services under extreme climate conditions such as floods and heatwaves. The event reinforced NGO–university partnerships in climate adaptation through sustainable waste and resource management strategies.
Sakarya University further strengthens climate resilience through humanitarian and environmental partnerships. The university collaborates with the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) and local volunteer networks to deliver community training, emergency simulations, and awareness programs on disaster preparedness, flood control, and psychosocial support. These joint efforts are led by DIVAM and the university’s Civil Defense and Occupational Health and Safety Units, supporting the regional disaster-preparedness framework coordinated with AFAD and local municipalities.
Disaster Preparedness and Community Resilience: Turkish Red Crescent Participation in 2025
Sakarya University’s Science Talks Series included “Correct Information and Appropriate Action after Disasters for Community Resilience”, reported on 1 December 2025, with the participation of Turkish Red Crescent representatives from Sakarya. The discussion addressed pre-disaster planning, access to safe water and food, continuity of medication, coordinated volunteering and psychosocial challenges following disasters. The Turkish Red Crescent presented a certificate of appreciation to the speaker at the conclusion of the programme. The event provided an opportunity for university–NGO engagement on disaster preparedness and community resilience.
At the community level, the university engages with environmental NGOs such as the TEMA Foundation and local green initiatives for afforestation and soil conservation projects, promoting nature-based adaptation solutions to mitigate drought and urban heat impacts. Each year, students, academics, and staff participate in large-scale tree-planting campaigns across Sakarya, contributing to long-term carbon sequestration and landscape restoration efforts.
Sakarya University also cooperates with local animal welfare NGOs and volunteer networks to reuse surplus food from campus dining facilities. In 2025, 33 tonnes of surplus food were used to feed animals. Separately, 202 tonnes of food waste were sent to the SEKAY Integrated Waste Management Facility for biogas production, while 125 tonnes of plant and garden waste were composted. These practices support resource efficiency, organic waste recovery and community cooperation.
Moreover, the university fosters innovation-driven climate adaptation through student and research-led initiatives. The SAITEM (Advanced Technologies Application Community) and SPARK Electric Vehicle Team work with NGOs and private partners to promote clean mobility and renewable energy awareness among the public. CENTER SAU, designated by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), provides joint training programs for NGO representatives and private-sector professionals on energy infrastructure security and climate-related risk resilience.
Through these multidimensional collaborations, ranging from academic symposia and research congresses to afforestation campaigns, waste recovery and disaster preparedness training, Sakarya University builds institutional and community-level capacity for climate adaptation. These partnerships bridge scientific expertise with civil society engagement, advancing both SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and positioning the university as a regional model for inclusive, data-driven climate resilience.
Stakeholder Dialogue with Civil Society
Sakarya University’s Sustainability Processes Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop, organised by TOKAS, brought together university units, student societies, public institutions, industry representatives and civil society stakeholders, including the Turkish Red Crescent. Participants discussed water conservation, resource efficiency, sustainability research and opportunities for joint projects. External stakeholders shared examples of good practice and proposals for cooperation across Sakarya and the wider region. The workshop strengthened dialogue between the university, civil society and public institutions on shared environmental priorities.
The local adaptation plan also names Sakarya University among the responsible institutions under YKS6, covering climate adaptation training for municipalities, public institutions, professional chambers and NGOs during 2025-2030.
Sakarya University Sustainability Festival
Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, Sakarya University organized a series of events under the theme “15 May - Sustainability Day” as part of its annual Spring Festival.
The festival, jointly conducted by university faculties, student communities, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations, created an important awareness platform on climate change adaptation, zero waste, circular economy, environmental awareness, and nature-based solutions.
Thematic Events and Workshops
Sakarya University organised workshops, panels and interactive activities addressing climate adaptation, environmental awareness, resource conservation and sustainable living, including the following:
· Climate and Disaster Literacy - SUSTAIN_EU Summer School (2025): The SUSTAIN_EU Summer School brought together 30 teachers working in Sakarya and 50 university students. Its programme included environmental education, disaster literacy, climate awareness and the mental health impacts of climate change, supporting understanding of climate risks and preparedness.
· School Outreach - European Researchers’ Night (2025): European Researchers’ Night, organised through cooperation between Sakarya University, Kocaeli University, Düzce University and Sakarya Governorate, brought together 28 secondary and high schools. Experimental activities addressed climate change, disaster adaptation and resilient cities, connecting researchers with school pupils.
· Climate Impacts and Nature-Based Solutions - Sustainable Future Meetings (2025): A Sustainable Future Meetings discussion organised by TOKAS addressed greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity, ecosystem protection and consumption patterns. The session also explored nature-based solutions, constructed wetlands and circular approaches, strengthening awareness of climate mitigation and adaptation.
