Green Transformation: Küçükköy and Birgi
Sustainable tourism is gaining more and more importance worldwide in order to both increase the quality of life of the local people and protect environmental values. In this context, the SENTRUM Project (Sustainable Energy Based Tourism Application Center), launched in Turkey, aims to popularize sustainable tourism in Küçükköy, Balıkesir and the historical Birgi villages of İzmir, turning these areas into exemplary green destinations.
Large-scale tourism activities create serious negative effects on the environment. In traditional tourism practices, elements such as intensive water and energy consumption and large amounts of waste production lead to excessive use of resources and destruction of nature, creating major problems in terms of sustainability. Excessive construction, especially in touristic areas, causes the destruction of natural habitats, decreases biodiversity and rapid depletion of resources. In addition, the density of tourists strains local ecosystems and creates cultural destruction.
However, sustainable tourism projects encourage environmentally sensitive tourism practices, provide economic contributions to local communities and aim to protect cultural and natural values. Projects such as SENTRUM, which aim to minimize the negative impacts of tourism through the use of renewable energy, waste management and energy efficiency, as well as to revitalize local economies and empower women by spreading tourism across all four seasons, are of critical importance for a sustainable future.
SENTRUM aims to be a pioneer of green transformation by adopting an approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability and social benefit. While green transformation refers to the transition to energy and production solutions that are compatible with nature, SENTRUM focuses on reducing carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change by increasing the use of renewable energy sources in this process. It also aims to achieve sustainability goals such as protecting local ecosystems, increasing energy efficiency and optimizing waste management. In the areas where SENTRUM is applied, solar energy panels, rainwater collection systems and recyclable materials are used to offer solutions that are both environmentally friendly and provide economic benefits in the long term. In this context, SENTRUM's green transformation vision also supports the creation of sustainable cities and business models of the future.
The SENTRUM project launched in Ayvalık Küçükköy draws attention with its exemplary applications in renewable energy use and energy efficiency. The use of energy-saving technologies in the region not only creates a sustainable tourism model, but also supports the local economy. The entire energy needs of tourism establishments and public buildings are met by utilizing the solar and wind energy used in the project. As a result of energy efficiency analyses, it was determined that energy consumption could be reduced by up to 80% with simple measures such as lighting.
Birgi Village was selected as the second step of this transformation process. Birgi Village, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List with its historical and cultural heritage, stands out with its touristic potential and natural structure. The SENTRUM project aims not only to provide energy efficiency in Birgi, but also to make the region a tourist attraction center throughout all four seasons. Drawing strength from the success in Küçükköy, walking and cycling routes are being created in Birgi, thus encouraging environmentally friendly transportation options.
Renewable Energy and Transformation in Public Buildings
One of the most striking applications in the SENTRUM project is the restructuring of public buildings in terms of energy efficiency. For example, Halis Komili Primary School in Küçükköy has been transformed into one of the first net zero energy buildings in Turkey. The school's energy needs are met by solar energy. With the solar energy systems put into operation in the school and the cultural center, 15 thousand kg of coal use per year has been prevented and 90 thousand kg of carbon emissions have been prevented.
Similarly, energy audits are being carried out for public buildings in Birgi and efficiency-enhancing measures are being taken. Thus, an example is being set for both local governments and businesses in terms of sustainable energy use.
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The most important principle of sustainable tourism is the protection of cultural and natural heritage. The SENTRUM project aims to transfer cultural heritage to future generations by using innovative technologies that provide energy efficiency without damaging historical structures. The projects carried out in Küçükköy and Birgi manage to meet the energy needs of these buildings directly from renewable sources by making minimal interventions on historical structures. In this way, the cultural value of the region is preserved while the environmental impacts caused by tourism are minimized. (UNDP)
Social and Economic Development
The SENTRUM project aims not only for environmental but also for social and economic development. Within the scope of the project, studies are carried out for the employment of women and young people. While internship and training opportunities are offered for young people in the field of tourism in Birgi, the participation of women producers and local businesses owned by women is encouraged. The studies in Küçükköy and Birgi enable the local people to benefit more from the economic benefits of tourism and contribute to the social development of the region.
Green Transportation
Sustainable transportation solutions are also an important part of the project in Küçükköy and Birgi. Electric vehicle charging stations are being installed in the region and bicycle paths are being created. These steps reduce carbon emissions while offering visitors an environmentally friendly transportation option. At the same time, these practices are among the important steps for making the region suitable for tourism in all four seasons.
Management of Climate Risks
Another important aspect of the green transformation projects carried out in Küçükköy and Birgi is the management of climate risks. In a period when the effects of climate change are felt more and more each passing day, making tourism regions resistant to the climate crisis has become a major priority. Within the scope of the SENTRUM Project, climate risk assessments carried out in Küçükköy and Birgi are carried out to determine the potential dangers that these villages may face and to take precautions against these risks. For example, with the precautions to be taken against these risks, both the infrastructure in the region is strengthened against situations such as extreme temperatures, flood risks and drought and the tourism season is made more flexible. These studies show that sustainable tourism is not limited to only environmentally friendly practices, but also includes the goal of making the region resistant to the climate crisis.
Local Producers and Economic Contributions of Tourism
Another element that supports sustainable tourism in Birgi and Küçükköy is the collaborations established with local producers. The SENTRUM project has developed various strategies to integrate agricultural products of local producers into the tourism sector. Natural and organic products grown in the region are used in touristic businesses to contribute to the local economy and offer local flavors to visitors. In addition, the spread of sustainable agricultural practices is also supported.
The partners of the SENTRUM project are: Enerjisa Enerji, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Sabancı University and Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). In particular, Enerjisa Enerji’s renewable energy projects and the knowledge and experience transfer provided by UNDP in line with the Sustainable Development Goals increase not only the environmental but also the social and economic impacts of the projects. Sabancı University’s education and awareness activities ensure the active participation of the local people in the projects and continue to be the pioneer of sustainable transformation in the tourism sector. TGA, in line with the National Sustainable Tourism Program, supports the destination in areas where the project is implemented to comply with the Global Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and businesses to obtain a Sustainable Tourism certificate.
The SENTRUM Project, launched in Küçükköy and Birgi, is an important example of how sustainable tourism can be implemented. These projects strengthen the steps taken by Turkey for sustainable transformation in the tourism sector, while also providing a model for other destinations. The green transformation of Birgi and Küçükköy shows that tourism is not only an economic tool, but also offers an important opportunity to protect the environment, keep local culture alive and support social development.