Within the scope of the project, the first Project Steering Committee meeting was held on 22 July 2025 at the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion (ÇEM). The meeting was chaired by ÇEM Director General Prof. Dr. Kasım Yenigün, and attended by representatives from UNDP Türkiye, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, and the Nature Conservation Centre.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Kasım Yenigün emphasized that the project serves as an important example for the sustainable management of natural resources, stating:

“This project will address landslides, land pressure caused by tea cultivation, and other environmental threats through an integrated approach, while protecting the rich natural assets of the Eastern Black Sea. In addition, capacity-building activities will enhance the implementation capabilities of both local stakeholders and our relevant institutions.”

UNDP Türkiye representative Miodrag Dragisic, in his opening speech, expressed satisfaction with the implementation of a nature-based, inclusive, and practical management model in line with sustainable development goals.

On the meeting agenda, activities carried out to date within the scope of the project were reviewed. The work plan and budget for 2025 were shared with committee members and unanimously approved. In addition, possible risks that may be encountered during the project process and proposed solutions to these risks were also discussed.