Turkish German Cooperation for integrated Climate and Biodiversity Action

State of implementation/results

• IKI Interface Workshop 2026: In August 2026, organisations implementing IKI projects in Türkiye came together for the second IKI Türkiye Workshop. They exchanged experiences, discussed opportunities for stronger cooperation and explored Türkiye’s strategic priorities for climate and biodiversity action ahead of COP31. As part of an NDC Clinic jointly organised with UNEP, the focus was on investment priorities for implementing Türkiye’s climate targets and on opportunities to mobilise climate finance.
• Biodiversity activities: The biodiversity component of the project was launched. The Acarlar Floodplain Forest on the Black Sea coast was selected as a pilot area for ecosystem conservation and restoration measures.
• Strengthening wetland conservation: In July 2026, the application of the “Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services” (RAWES) approach for assessing ecosystem services in Türkiye was strengthened. During practical training in the Acarlar Floodplain Forest, experts learned how to assess the benefits that wetlands provide for people and nature. The assessment identified 36 different ecosystem services and provides a basis for planning conservation and restoration measures.
• Updating Türkiye’s climate strategies: In July 2026, the project supported the Directorate of Climate Change in updating Türkiye’s 2024-2030 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies and Action Plans. The broad consultation process involved representatives from government, the private sector, academia and civil society. The strategies are key instruments for implementing Türkiye’s climate targets.
• German-Türkiye climate and environmental dialogue: In July 2026, the annual meeting of the German-Türkiye Climate and Environmental Steering Committee (KUMLA) took place in Berlin. The exchange between the responsible ministries of both countries strengthens bilateral cooperation on climate and environmental protection.
• Climate finance: Since August 2025, the project has been examining how green financial flows in Türkiye can be strengthened and how revenues from a future emissions trading system could be used for climate mitigation and adaptation. The findings are intended to contribute to the development of suitable financing models.
• Exchange on the EU Taxonomy: In October 2025, representatives of Türkiye’s Directorate of Climate Change exchanged experiences with public institutions and companies in Germany on the practical implementation of the EU Taxonomy. The discussions focused on transparency, reporting and investor requirements.
• Project launch: The project “German-Türkiye Cooperation for Integrated Climate and Biodiversity Action” was launched in October 2024. Since November 2024, it has worked closely with Türkiye’s responsible ministries for environment as well as agriculture and forestry.

Latest Update:
09/2026