From November 7-11, 2022, with support from the Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries, the Turkish Government participated in a study tour to learn about urban resilience/transformation initiatives involving public-private financing and implementation modalities, stakeholder/community engagement, mixed-use development (including housing) and nature-based solutions.
On November 7th, one of the first stops along the tour was to meet with Bernice Van Bronkhorst, GPURL Global Director & Sameh Wahba, ECA SD Regional Director, Andrey Shanin and Matt Hunt, City Resilience Program, Laurent Corroyer, Global Program on Nature-based Solutions, Irina Likhachova, IFC Climate Business and GPRI Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Natalia Romero. The session aimed to set-the-scene on area-based resilient urban redevelopment involving the private sector in the US and main findings from case study in two Turkish cities, followed by brief presentations on nature-based solutions and resilient infrastructure. Through GPRI’s presentation, the delegation had the opportunity to learn about Japan’s efforts in addressing disasters focusing on disaster risk reduction—quality infrastructure is central to these efforts.
Ms. Romero explained how resilient infrastructure practices in Japan include systems planning, good design, delivery and operations and maintenance practices, contingency planning, and strong institutional frameworks. Moreover, understanding risk, and making data available enables more stakeholders to contribute with innovation and financing.
Delegates also learned about Japan’s efforts to tackle urban floods using its integrated urban flood risk management approach, bringing together diverse stakeholders and measures to manage flood risks. Japanese cities have developed and employed a dynamic suite of flood risk management measures, from regulations, plans, and strategies for basin-scale river improvement, advanced infrastructural solutions, to coordination and communication mechanisms.
The experience and lessons learned in Japan are valuable to inform Türkiye’s path towards strengthening infrastructure resilience and achieving their urban transformation goals.