Turkey has signed a cooperation agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to finance environmental and urban infrastructure, beginning with a €400 million programme for the Sea of Marmara.
A new environmental financing framework
The agreement announced in Istanbul on 4 September places advanced biological wastewater treatment at the centre of the first phase. The investment responds to long-running pressure on the heavily industrialised inland sea, where nutrient pollution has contributed to damaging marine mucilage outbreaks.
Environment Minister Murat Kurum said the wider framework could also support climate and urban projects. AIIB described Turkey as an important investment partner. The programme’s significance will depend on implementation, monitoring and the ability of municipalities to expand treatment capacity.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
