Ondokuz Mayıs University’s Environmental Issues Application and Research Center (ÇEVSAM) and the Department of Environmental Engineering organized a conference titled “The Past, Present, and Future of Water” on March 22, in celebration of World Water Day.
The conference, held at the Faculty of Engineering, was attended by the Head of the Environmental Engineering Department and Director of ÇEVSAM, Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan, Dr. Nazlı Ayyıldız Turan, Head of the Quality Control and Laboratory Branch at the 7th Regional Directorate of the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), as well as academics and a large number of students.
In the opening speech, Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan emphasized that the main theme of this year’s World Water Day is “Glacier Protection.” She highlighted that melting glaciers are altering water flows for billions of people, leading to floods, droughts, landslides, rising sea levels, and damage to ecosystems.
Prof. Dr. Turan underscored that glaciers are vital for water security and climate stability. She warned that an increasing number of people will face challenges in accessing clean and reliable water in the coming years. “Ensuring the conservation and management of our water resources is our top priority in addressing the global water crisis for a sustainable future. Let’s take precautions today to mitigate future risks—let’s use water efficiently,” she concluded.
Dr. Nazlı Ayyıldız Turan, the invited speaker from DSİ, delivered a talk on “The Past, Present, and Future of Water.” She highlighted that water, an essential element for life, is under immense pressure due to factors such as population growth, industrialization, unconscious usage, and climate change. “We must remember that our water resources are limited, so we must use them as efficiently and sustainably as possible. In addition to projects developed by DSİ and other public institutions, individuals also have responsibilities in this regard. Every small step we take to save water in our homes is an investment in our future,” she stated.
The conference, which attracted significant interest from students, concluded with a Q&A session.
World Water Day raises awareness of the growing water crisis, which threatens the sustainability of social and economic development. Water is one of humanity’s most valuable shared resources and a fundamental necessity of life. Throughout history, civilizations have been built around water sources, recognizing their indispensable role in sustaining life.
The Earth contains approximately 1,400 million cubic kilometers of water. However, 97.5% of this is salt water found in oceans and seas. The remaining 2.5% consists of freshwater, most of which is stored in ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland or underground reservoirs. Easily accessible surface freshwater accounts for only 0.26% of the total water supply.
According to global organizations such as the United Nations World Water Council (UNCWW), the World Resources Institute (IWR), and the World Health Organization (WHO), only a few countries faced water scarcity in the 1950s. However, by the 1990s, 26 countries with a total population of 300 million were experiencing severe water shortages. Predictions indicate that by 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in 66 countries suffering from extreme water scarcity.
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