REFLEXIVE URBAN GOVERNANCE FOR INCLUSIVE AND ECOLOGICAL URBAN FUTURES IN GREEN ISTANBUL – (Istanbul Session)

Organizers

Çiğdem Çakar, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Merve Akdağ, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Contributors

Tuğba Ölmez Hancı, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Nilgün Cendek, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Ahmet Cemil Tepe, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Okan Yılmaz, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Evrim Nebiler, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Raşit Fırat Deniz, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
Ender Makineci, İstanbul Üniversitesi
Bahar Aksel Enşici, MSGSÜ
Selva Gürdoğan, Superpool
Kevser Üstündağ, MSGSÜ

In the context of escalating climate change, deepening inequalities, and complex global crises, Istanbul's urban governance has sought to respond with transformative and inclusive strategies. This special session, hosted by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, will delve into the city's innovative policies and initiatives—such as Green Istanbul, Wild Istanbul, and Play Istanbul—that foster interactions among soil, water, flora, fauna, and human ecosystems. These initiatives aim to establish a more integrated urban mobility framework, incorporating both human and natural systems to comprehensively address ecological and social challenges.

Green Istanbul focuses on enhancing urban greenery and biodiversity through extensive reforestation projects, green corridors, and eco-parks that reconnect urban dwellers with nature. Wild Istanbul is a pioneering initiative that aims to protect and promote urban wildlife by creating habitats within the city, ensuring that biodiversity thrives amidst urban development. Play Istanbul seeks to integrate play into the city's public spaces, designing environments where children and families can engage with nature in safe and imaginative ways, fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings.

A central theme of this session will be the revitalization of public squares, blue public spaces, and designated play areas through participatory processes, design competitions, and tactical urbanism. These efforts are designed to ensure that urban spaces are not only functional but also inclusive and adaptable to the needs of diverse populations. By involving communities in the design and decision-making processes, Istanbul aims to create spaces that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and dynamic social fabric.

The session will also examine the role of flexible governance models and international collaborations in shaping visionary frameworks. Istanbul's governance strategies emphasize the importance of traversing administrative silos and spatial boundaries, fostering a holistic approach to urban planning. This includes engaging with international bodies and city networks to exchange best practices and co-develop solutions to common challenges. The city's involvement in projects such as the Istanbul Biodiversity Project demonstrates its commitment to preserving natural ecosystems while enhancing urban resilience.

Additionally, the session will explore how governance innovations can enable equitable and sustainable urban transformations in the face of planetary crises. Emphasizing institutional learning, community practices, and generative conflicts, the discussion will highlight how adaptive governance frameworks can respond to emerging challenges, ensuring that policies remain relevant and effective.

By reflecting on these initiatives and frameworks, the session aims to provide valuable insights into how cities can balance ecological preservation with social equity, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive urban future.

Key words: N/A