As part of the “Climate-Resilient Tarsus: Sharing Polish Experience in Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Measures” project, implemented under the European Union Climate Change Grant Program, Tarsus Municipality hosted a delegation from the Municipality of Warka, Poland.
The project aims to establish a practical partnership between Tarsus and Warka to create sustainable green public spaces adapted to climate change. Through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and pilot investments, the initiative seeks to strengthen Tarsus’s climate adaptation and mitigation capacity while demonstrating innovative nature-based solutions that can be replicated across other municipalities in Türkiye.
The action comes at a critical time for Tarsus. Earlier this year, the city and surrounding areas experienced severe flash floods, mudflows, hailstorms, and torrential rainfall. Flooded homes, overflowing streams, damaged infrastructure, and submerged agricultural lands highlighted the growing impacts of climate change on local communities. As one of Türkiye’s key agricultural production areas, Tarsus saw significant losses in greenhouses, orchards, cultivated lands, and seasonal workers’ settlements, reinforcing the urgent need for climate adaptation measures.
During the visit, a cooperation agreement was signed, technical meetings were held, and on-site inspections of green areas were conducted to identify opportunities for climate-resilient urban development. A key outcome was the identification of a focal site for a stormwater retention garden and educational green space. The selected area is a naturally low-lying and sloped site that regularly accumulates water during heavy rainfall, making it an ideal location for piloting green infrastructure solutions for water retention and flood management.
The proposed stormwater garden will help reduce flooding, improve soil permeability, curb erosion, and store rainwater during wet periods while making water available during drought conditions. The design will incorporate native and climate-resilient plant species that enhance biodiversity, support pollinators, improve urban air quality, and create connected green habitats. The site also offers an opportunity to provide much-needed public greenery in a neighbourhood with limited park access.
Thanks to Tarsus’s Mediterranean climate and strong agricultural heritage, the area is well suited for aromatic and essential oil-producing plants with natural mosquito-repellent properties, creating a healthier and more enjoyable public space while promoting local biodiversity.
Beyond the pilot site, the project will strengthen local climate governance through targeted training for municipal staff, civil society organisations, and community representatives, while engaging schools and residents through climate awareness activities and practical demonstrations of nature-based solutions.
Together, Tarsus and Warka are building stronger, greener, and more resilient communities while creating a model for climate adaptation that can inspire municipalities across Türkiye.
