Atatürk University implements a range of educational programmes and training initiatives focused on fresh-water ecosystems, sustainable irrigation practices, water conservation and water management. These programmes are designed not only for students but also for broader local and regional stakeholders, including vocational training programmes, community outreach and partnerships that contribute to raising awareness and building technical capacity in water-related environmental management.
1) Formal Educational Programmes
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The University’s Technical Sciences Vocational School (Teknik Bilimler Meslek Yüksekokulu) has launched in July 2025 the “Water and Waste Management Technician” (Su ve Atık Yönetimi Teknikerliği) associate-degree programme, which explicitly includes modules on sustainable use of water resources, control of water and waste flows, and the implementation of water-management regulation. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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The University’s Faculty of Fisheries (Su Ürünleri Fakültesi) offers courses and curricula that cover aquatic ecosystem management and water resource science, thereby contributing to freshwater ecosystem education. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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Through the Continuing Education Research and Application Centre (ATATÜRK Üniversitesi Sürekli Eğitim Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi – ATASEM), the University also offers certificate programmes and short courses in areas like “Water Management” and “Sustainability” targeted at professionals and community members. Atasem
2) Community & Outreach Programmes on Water Efficiency and Fresh-Water Awareness
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On World Water Day (March 22) the University’s Rector attended the national Water Efficiency Summit alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Zero Waste Foundation. At that event, the University reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable and efficient use of water resources. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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The University’s public sustainability pages indicate that it is listed among the “Green Universities” for areas that include Water Management, Transportation and Education & Research domains. Atatürk Üniversitesi
3) Programme Scope, Reach & Technical Content
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The associate-degree programme in Water and Waste Management trains technical operators in sustainable use of water resources, control of waste and water flows, regulatory compliance and practical skills for water systems in local/regional contexts. Atatürk Üniversitesi
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Courses and modules relevant to freshwater ecosystems within the Faculty of Fisheries ensure that students gain competencies in aquatic systems, water quality, resource management and ecosystem health—a key foundation for freshwater ecosystem education.
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The University’s participation in national water-efficiency summits and its public outreach activities on World Water Day demonstrate commitment to raising community awareness about water conservation, efficient irrigation, and protection of freshwater ecosystems.
4) Institutional Integration with SDG 14 and Fresh-Water Ecosystems
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By embedding water-management education in both vocational and academic programmes and extending this education to community outreach, the University aligns with the spirit of SDG 14.2.1—that is, providing educational programmes on fresh-water ecosystems and water management for local/national communities.
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The University’s strategic recognition as a “green university” in water management further supports its institutional positioning in that domain.
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The institution’s technical programmes provide capacity-building resources to regionally important water-ecosystem challenges in Eastern Anatolia (e.g., water scarcity, ecosystem stress, irrigation efficiency), enabling practical impact beyond the campus.
5) Summary Table of Programmes and Target Audiences
| Programme | Target Audience | Key Content / Focus | Institution / Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree “Water & Waste Management Technician” | Vocational students, local industry support | Sustainable water use, waste-water control, regulatory compliance | Technical Sciences Vocational School Atatürk Üniversitesi |
| Faculty of Fisheries Courses | Undergraduate/graduate students | Fresh-water ecosystems, resource management, aquatic systems | Faculty of Fisheries Atatürk Üniversitesi |
| Certificate & Continuing Education Courses (Water Management) | Professionals, community members | Water efficiency, conservation, sustainability literacy | ATASEM Atasem |
| Outreach Events (World Water Day) | General public, community stakeholders | Water efficiency, fresh-water ecosystems awareness | Rector’s participation & University pledge Atatürk Üniversitesi |
Conclusion
Atatürk University offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational programmes on fresh-water ecosystems, water management and conservation—ranging from technical vocational training, academic course work, to community outreach and professional education. The institution’s efforts extend beyond the campus to local communities and stakeholders, making a substantive contribution to freshwater ecosystem awareness, efficient irrigation practices, and water-resource management. These actions satisfy the criteria of SDG 14.2.1 in providing educational programmes on fresh-water ecosystems for both local and national communities.
