Kastamonu University has partnered with an international Erasmus+ project, aiming to enhance technical and vocational skills for combating land degradation through nature-based solutions (NbS). The project, in which our University takes part, has been awarded funding under the European Union Erasmus+ Program.
Titled “Enhancing Technical and Vocational Skills for Implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to Combat Land Degradation”, the project will be coordinated by the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye. With a budget of €250,000, the project will be supported under the code 2025-1-TR01-KA220-VET-000357096.
Among the Turkish partners are Kastamonu University and the Ankara Association for Intercultural Research. In contrast, international partners include Fondazione European Research Institute ETS (Italy), Regional Centre for Forestry and Rural Development – REFORD (North Macedonia), and Mixtura Ambiental (Spain).
The project aims to integrate nature-based solution approaches into vocational education systems in the fight against climate change and land degradation. This way, technical knowledge and skills will be improved, contributing to sustainable land management and strengthening ecosystem services.
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that with this accepted project, Kastamonu University expanded its international cooperation network. Highlighting that nature-based solutions play a key role in addressing environmental issues and achieving sustainable development goals, our Rector stated that the University will continue to transfer scientific knowledge into practice for the benefit of society.
Our Rector also extended his gratitude to İlker Astarcı, President of the Turkish National Agency, the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion, which will coordinate the project, and all national and international project partners for their support.
With its 24-month duration, the project aims to increase knowledge and experience sharing at regional and international levels, while developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
