Hosted by Atatürk University, Biodiversity, Agriculture and Food Symposium started under the leadership of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA).

The symposium, which will be held on 21-23 September 2023 under the leadership of Atatürk University in cooperation with the Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change Working Group and the Food and Nutrition Working Group established within TÜBA, started with the opening program.

In the symposium, where biodiversity loss and possible effects in agriculture due to faulty practices in agriculture and climate change, which has become increasingly felt in recent years, will be discussed. Current developments, problems and solution suggestions on the subject will be discussed by experts. The program will focus on the importance and value of biodiversity and faulty agricultural practices. In addition to Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı,TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, Rector of Iğdır University Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hakkı Alma, Rector of Lokman Hekim University Prof. Dr. Fatih Gültekin, Deputy Mayor of Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Fevzi Polat, TÜBA Principal Members Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Aydin and Prof. Dr. Kazım Şahin, Deputy General Director of Agricultural Research and Policies Dr. Şerafettin Çakal and many academicians and students attended the symposium.

Prof. Dr. Aydın: “30% of All Food Produced is Wasted”

Speaking at the opening program, TÜBA Full Member Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Aydin emphasized that for the sustainability of agriculture, it is very important to take into account suggestions such as increasing productivity, smarter land use, better marketing and distribution, preventing waste and changes in diets. Pointing out that 30% of all food produced in the world is wasted, Aydın said: “The expansion of agriculture has caused biodiversity losses worldwide, in addition to its effects on the climate. As land clearing and agricultural production increases, many plant and animal species are in danger of extinction as they lose their habitats. As monocrop agriculture has become more widespread, the diversity of agricultural ecosystems has decreased. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has suggested five principles to be followed for sustainable agriculture. These are increasing efficiency in resource use, protecting and developing natural resources, protecting and improving rural livelihoods, equality and social welfare, strengthening the resilience of people and ecosystems against climate and market changes, and developing responsible and effective governance mechanisms. I wholeheartedly believe that positive results will be achieved if these headings are followed, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organization of the event."

Prof. Dr. Şahin: “The Disaster in Libya Revealed the Painful Truth Once Again”

Stating that he is also a member of Fırat University, which has the title of another Research University, Prof. Dr. Kazım Şahin started his speech by congratulating Atatürk University for becoming a Research University. Emphasizing that it is at least as important to have such an important epaulette as well as to carry out studies in accordance with the criteria to maintain it, Şahin touched upon the importance of such an important issue being discussed in Erzurum. He noted that the recent flood disaster in Libya is a striking example to remind us that this issue is a vital issue, expressing his condolences to those who lost their lives in the disasters in both Libya and Morocco, and added that it is important to protect nature and leave a more livable world in order to avoid similar losses. In addition, he pointed out that it is essential to take steps in the light of science.

Deputy Mayor Polat: “Erzurum is Home to Many Living Species”

Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Fevzi Polat stated that Erzurum is located at the cutting point of the region and that it hosts many endemic plants and living species due to its fertile soil and historical past, pointing out that they, as the municipality, focus on this issue with sensitivity and that various studies have been carried out in this area. Stating that they carry out activities such as ponds, farmer support programs and agricultural equipment support as the municipality in order to protect living species and protect nature, Polat said that he will present the book containing the outputs of this subject to the municipal council.

Rector Çomaklı: “We Produce Scientific Solutions to Social Problems”

Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı started his speech at the podium by stating that Atatürk University has been restructured by seriously reviewing how it will structure its academic values, educational methodologies and social role for the last 7 years. He said that they wish to be recognized as a university that is at the forefront of universal science, works problem-oriented, develops scientific solutions to social problems, is sensitive to social demands as well as directing social demands, and they continue their work to achieve this ideal.

Rector Çomaklı underlined that for this purpose, Atatürk University has designed a 7-dimensional Holistic Meta-System that blends the mission areas of education, research and contribution to society with a great common sense. He made the following remarks: “This design has been put into practice by supporting short, medium and long term action plans. This process has been supported by agile leadership, a strong will, and participation and transparency practices, and the change process has started to achieve successful results in all units of our university."

“I am an Honorary Member of this Field”

Rector Çomaklı stated that he has been following the issue of biodiversity carefully for many years, that he sees himself as an honorary member in this field, and that they established the Biodiversity Application and Research Center immediately after taking office. He natoed that they discuss the issues of Biodiversity, Agriculture and Food, which have been at the top of the global agenda in recent years. Stating that this meeting is one of the issues that Atatürk University cares about, he said: “Biodiversity is a term that covers all plant, fungi, animal species and microorganisms that can be found on earth. Declining biodiversity is one of the biggest threats to sustainability. Land use changes such as urbanization and deforestation, threats to species through hunting and fishing, climate change, global warming, pollution, and invasive alien species are the main causes of biodiversity loss. It is a clear fact that in order to protect biodiversity, it is necessary to first improve wrong land use and indirectly make regulations on issues such as agriculture and animal husbandry. I have no doubt that the 'Biodiversity, Agriculture and Food' meeting jointly organized by Atatürk University and TÜBA will be successful and will be conveyed as a strong message to the relevant parties. On this occasion, I hope that the Biodiversity, Agriculture and Food meeting will be beneficial for our country and all parties, and I offer my respects."

President Şeker: “I Thank All Stakeholders of the Organization”

TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker started his speech by saying, "I welcome you all with my most sincere feelings and respect for your attendance at the TÜBA-Biodiversity, Agriculture and Food Symposium." Şeker added: “I would like to thank Atatürk University for hosting the symposium, its esteemed rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, TÜBA-Food and Nutrition Working Group Executive Prof. Dr. Kazım Şahin, TÜBA-Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change Working Group executive Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Aydın and all the stakeholders of this organization and everyone who contributed."

“Loss of Biodiversity Negatively Affects Us All”

Emphasizing that agriculture is of critical importance not only for its economic value but also for food security and sustainable life, president Şeker said: “But today, this vital sector is under many threats. Biodiversity loss and climate change negatively affect the agricultural sector and therefore all of us. In addition, human-induced factors such as faulty agricultural practices, excessive use of chemicals and monoculture agriculture increase these threats many times over. Global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss have too broad an impact to be limited to local practices. Therefore, international cooperation and information sharing are inevitable. Harmonizing academic studies on a global scale, adapting them for different geographies and ecosystems, and bringing together best practice examples are an integral part of this process."

“Technology Can Make Significant Contributions to Sustainable Agricultural Practices”

Şeker pointed out that it should not be ignored how technological developments can play a role in solving problems in this field, noting:  “Advances such as digital agriculture, artificial intelligence and biotechnology can make significant contributions to sustainable agricultural practices. However, technological solutions must be integrated carefully, taking into account their ethical and social implications. The advantages provided by technology should be made available to all segments of society in a fair manner, not just by a certain segment of society. At this point, not only agricultural and environmental scientists, but also policy makers, social scientists, economists and experts from other disciplines should come together to make a multi-dimensional evaluation and produce practical and applicable solutions. Undoubtedly, this symposium, where knowledge and experiences will be shared, is a critical step to be taken towards this goal."

“Symposium Outcomes Will Guide the Policies and Practices”

Stating that he wholeheartedly believes that the report to be prepared at the end of the symposium will guide the policies and practices to be made on this subject, Prof. Dr. Şeker said: “We hope that this meeting will create a productive dialogue between science, policy and society and help create a common action plan. Dear participants, together we can lay the foundations of a more sustainable, fairer and more livable future for our country and the world. The contributions that all of you will make in this process will be the most valuable legacy we will leave to future generations."

In the symposium that will last for three days, the topics of "The Importance of Agricultural Biodiversity", "Malpractices and Biodiversity in Agriculture", "Livestock and Biodiversity", "Biodiversity and Food Safety", "Biodiversity, Nutrition and Human Health" and "Biodiversity-Biodiversity-Conservation Strategies" will be discussed.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 21.09.2023