The visit showcased İzmir’s approach to nature-based agricultural innovation and climate-resilient planning.
What happens when innovation, ecology, and agriculture come together in one place?
During the NBS4MED study visit that took place between 15th and 17th April 2026, NBS4MED partners got a first-hand look at exactly that, through the inspiring work of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality (Turkish partner of NBS4MED) and its flagship initiative, the İzmir Agricultural Development Centre (İZTAM).
A Living Lab for Nature-Based Solutions
The day kicked off with a welcome and technical session, which opened with a presentation by Koray Velibeyoğlu, providing a strategic overview of İzmir’s demographic structure and urbanization dynamics. It was emphasized that population growth, migration, and increasing urban density are placing significant pressure on infrastructure systems, requiring new approaches in climate adaptation, water management, and ecological sustainability. In this context, planning approaches in İzmir have evolved from a city-region scale towards basin-based and ecosystem-oriented frameworks.
Building on this strategic perspective, the session continued with a comprehensive introduction to İZTAM’s facilities and its role in advancing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) at the regional level. This was followed by a guided campus tour, where participants explored the site alongside experienced guides and expert staff who provided in-depth explanations at every step.
During the tour, several key nature-based applications were observed, demonstrating how agricultural production systems can adapt to climate change. One of the most notable highlights was the greenhouse system, where different climate-responsive agricultural models were presented. In particular, the drought scenario experiment illustrated the impacts of water scarcity on soil quality, biodiversity, and crop productivity, offering a tangible demonstration of future climate risks and the need for resilient food production systems.
Participants also explored innovative practices such as soilless agriculture and vertical farming systems, which enable efficient resource use while maintaining high productivity under controlled conditions. These applications showcased how water efficiency, energy optimization, and technological integration can support sustainable and climate-adaptive agriculture.
Rooted in Nature, Designed for Impact
Established in 2021, İZTAM is more than just a research centre, it is a dynamic hub where science, policy, and practice converge to shape the future of agriculture. Located in the Sasalı neighbourhood of Çiğli, the centre spans 15,800 m², combining greenhouse experimentation with open-field agricultural testing.
Set within a rich ecological landscape, İZTAM benefits from its proximity to key natural assets such as the İzmir Wildlife Park and the Sasalı Urban Forest. This green matrix of forests, agricultural land, and ecological corridors creates ideal conditions for climate-responsive and nature-based farming practices.
The area’s low urban density and high ecological permeability contribute to favorable microclimatic conditions, making it a perfect testing ground for sustainable agriculture. The landscape itself becomes part of the solution, supporting biodiversity, regulating temperature, and enhancing ecosystem services.
As highlighted during the NBS4MED visit, İZTAM is not just a local success story, but a scalable model for integrating nature-based solutions into regional development. By bridging rural production, ecological conservation, and urban systems, it demonstrates how cities can grow sustainably from the ground up.
İZTAM stands out as Türkiye’s first municipal-level institution to both design and implement a strategic agricultural planning model. As a cornerstone of the İzmir Agriculture Strategy, it is helping reshape how cities approach food systems, making them more resilient, self-sufficient, and environmentally aligned.
Last Update
05/05/2026
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