Near East University Researchers Present at Environmental and Nature Conservation Seminar in France Researchers from Near East University, one of the world’s top 500 universities, shared their findings on rural landscapes in the Mediterranean basin, nature conservation, and human impact on the environment with the scientific community at seminars and meetings held in France. Near East University Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof. Dr. Özge Özden and Vice Dean Prof. Dr. Salih Gücel gave seminars in France as part of collaborative work with Rouen University. Prof. Dr. Özge Özden presented on “Rural Landscapes, Nature Conservation, and Culture in the Mediterranean Basin” at the Department of Geography at Rouen University, while Prof. Dr. Salih Gücel presented on “It’s Not Just the Planet That’s Losing.”

Prof. Dr. Özden and Prof. Dr. Gücel, who were in contact to strengthen cooperation between the two universities and develop new joint projects, met with experts from different departments of Rouen University before the seminar. At the meeting, it was decided that Near East University and Rouen University would develop a joint project on wetlands in Cyprus and the impact of climate change on wetlands. Rural landscapes, nature conservation and culture with examples from Cyprus! In her presentation titled “Rural Landscapes, Nature Conservation and Culture in the Mediterranean Basin,” Prof. Özge Özden underlined the existence and importance of natural landscape areas in Mediterranean countries. Giving examples from the island of Cyprus, Prof. Özden stated how important natural and semi-natural areas in rural areas are in terms of environmental protection and biodiversity. Prof. Özden, who provided information about Special Environmental Protection Areas in Northern Cyprus and their protection status, also shared some information about the situation of typical Mediterranean habitats in France in her presentation.

Prof. Dr. Özge Özden also gave a lecture on “The EU Habitat Directive and Biodiversity Measurement Techniques” to master’s students in the Geography Department at Rouen University. During the lecture, French students and master’s students from third countries discussed research methods and applications in the field of biodiversity. The impact of humanity on the environment and awareness were addressed! Prof. Dr. Salih Gücel, in his presentation titled “It’s Not Just the Planet That’s Losing,” drew attention to the environmental damage humans are causing on Earth. Prof. Dr. Gücel emphasized the need for greater adoption of nature conservation, environmental protection, and conscious consumerism movements in both urban and rural areas, highlighting the importance of increasing this awareness through education and community projects. Prof. Dr. Gücel also brought up the need to integrate biodiversity conservation efforts into society.

This event is aligned with SDG 15, SDG 13, and SDG 17!