Atatürk University extends its commitment to sustainable water use beyond campus boundaries by engaging local communities, partner municipalities, and regional projects in water conservation initiatives. Through outreach, education, and applied projects, the university supports water-saving practices off campus and fosters a culture of responsible water stewardship across its service area.
1. Community Projects & Outreach Activities Involving Water Themes
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“Su ve Suyun Önemi” (Water and Its Importance) Project (2024)
While primarily a community education project, this TDM-sponsored initiative reaches local schools and neighborhoods outside campus, raising awareness of water cycles, conservation methods, and the importance of protecting water resources in the region. The project publishes its result reports openly. TDM Atauni -
“Mavi Bere” Project
The TDM and Atatürk University social media pages reference a “Mavi Bere” (Blue Helmet) project intended to raise awareness of water pollution and drought among youth and local communities. Facebook
This suggests the university is using symbolic branding and social media campaigns to engage broader public audiences in water issues.
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TDP / TDM Programs in Villages and Rural Schools
While not always explicitly water-themed, many TDP projects (visible on the TDM portal) occur in village settings, rural communities, and schools (e.g. “Köyler Meyve Fidanıyla Buluşuyor”, “Ağaçlar Toprağa”) and offer frameworks for integrating water conservation modules into their activities. Birlerim
Such projects provide an opportunity for the university to incorporate off-campus water conservation education (e.g. rainwater harvesting in rural homes, water-saving practices in agriculture). -
Institutional Mandate & Social Contribution Role
The Atatürk University TDP / TDM Regulation (Resm. Gazete No. 30592) lists among the center’s duties the organization of public informative training, educational and promotional activities with the public and civil society. LEXPERA
This legal mandate supports the university’s role in conducting programs beyond campus that include environmental and water topics.
2. Strategies & Mechanisms to Support Off-Campus Water Conservation
To fully meet the SDG 6.5.3 criterion, Atatürk University can emphasize the following strategic and operational elements:
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Partnerships with Local Municipalities & Water Authorities
The university collaborates with the regional water and sewerage administration (ESKİ) and local municipalities to co-host workshops, technical training sessions, and pilot projects on rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse in homes, and irrigation efficiency in agricultural lands. -
Farm & Village Demonstration Projects
Agriculture and engineering faculties can set up demonstration plots in nearby villages showing drip irrigation, mulch practices, soil moisture sensors, and drought-resistant crop species. These plots serve as living laboratories for local farmers.
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Student & Faculty Volunteer Programs
Through TDP, students and faculty may volunteer to audit water use in rural homes, install rain barrels, and teach water-saving techniques (e.g. leak detection, efficient use of household taps). The university provides technical support and materials. -
Open Workshops & Public Events
Regularly scheduled community workshops in precincts, town halls, or cultural centers teach roof rainwater collection, greywater systems for home gardens, and waterwise landscaping. University extension services can host these open sessions.
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Research-Based Support and Guidance
Researchers from civil, environmental, and agricultural engineering departments can provide consultancy, water audits, and guidance to municipalities, schools, farms, and NGOs on designing and implementing water-conserving infrastructure.
