Kastamonu University hosted a panel discussion on green economy policies within the framework of the effects of global climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The panel, organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry, the Specialization Coordination for Forestry and Nature Tourism, and Kastamonu Technopark, was held on December 4, 2025, at the Technopark Building.  

The event, which began after a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem, was met with great interest from academics, industry representatives, students, and numerous participants interested in environmental policies. 

In his opening remarks, the Panel Chairman  Assist. Prof. Dr. Alper Bulut stated that climate change has become one of the greatest global threats of the 21st century, posing serious risks not only environmentally but also economically and socially. 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut emphasized the need for a new economic approach aimed at breaking the link between environmental degradation and economic growth, stating, "The concept of Green Economy, born from this need, is defined by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as an economic model that eliminates environmental damage without compromising social welfare and equality." 

Following Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, and Professor Dr. Mahmut Gür stated that the panel would provide valuable contributions for both students and the academic community. Prof. Dr. Gür stated that he believes the topics scientists will address will shed light on the development of the field, and thanked all stakeholders, especially Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut, for their efforts in organizing the event.

The first speaker of the panel, Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut, a faculty member at our university's Faculty of Forestry, stated that universities are pioneering institutions that generate scientific knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and raise public awareness in the process of developing green economy policies. He emphasized the need to increase sustainability-focused projects and strengthen university-industry cooperation.  

 Dr. Devlet Toksoy, a faculty member at Karadeniz Technical University, drew attention to the destruction caused by climate change on ecosystems, stating that green economy policies have become a fundamental condition for sustainable economic growth. Prof. Dr. Toksoy emphasized that nature-based solutions based on the protection of forests and natural resources must be integrated into economic strategies. 

Stating that the public and private sectors need to develop common mechanisms in this process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bayramoğlu emphasized the importance of economic incentives for reducing the country's carbon footprint, being more strongly integrated into the country's policies.  

The final speaker of the panel, Dr. Seda Erkan Buğday, Assistant Professor at Çankırı Karatekin University, stated that climate change necessitates radical transformations in fundamental sectors such as agriculture, industry, and energy. Assist Prof.Dr. Erkan-Buğday stated that the widespread adoption of green production technologies and the adoption of environmentally friendly business models are indispensable for long-term economic stability.

The event concluded with a photo shoot to commemorate the day.