DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTS, DATA, TOOLS, AND ANALYSES
During FY25, grant activities generated several types of data to support policy and project implementation. Data was produced to assess the impact of circular economy policies on resource use, GHG emissions, and economic growth.
Various subtypes of natural capital accounts were also developed, including on global climate, soil retention, crop provision, and flood control. Aggregate results were published, and detailed data are available for use within the Turkish government.
Furthermore, two analytical reports were finalized. The summary report on Economic, Trade, and Industry Implications of the Circular Economy Transition in Türkiye provides an overview of the GPS-funded circular economy analysis and summarizes the macroeconomic impacts of circular economy policies in Türkiye, the strategic alignment of Turkish industry in the context of trade, and the European Union’s Green Deal as implications for prioritization of industrial sectors that can accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Türkiye’s Circular Economy Transition in the EU’s Global Value Chains Ecosystem provides more-detailed results of the above-mentioned trade analysis and assesses the exposure of Türkiye’s industry to evolving circular economy policies with major trade partners. It explores the connection between trade and material use in Türkiye, assessing the impact of regulatory differences with the European Union on Türkiye’s competitiveness in various industries. It provides recommendations on trade and investment policy, human capital development, supplier development programs, development of standards, compliance, and infrastructure requirements.
INFORMING INVESTMENTS AND POLICIES
In FY25, substantial progress was made in informing key policy frameworks in Türkiye. GPS activities played a pivotal role in shaping the recently adopted Circular Economy Strategy, providing guidance on integration of circular economy principles into national policy. The grant also contributed to advancement of the Official Statistics Plan, with the 2024 edition now including NCA under the category of “future statistics,” signaling its planned institutionalization and implementation in the coming years.
In addition to informing national policies, the grant contributed significantly to TULIP, a US$164.6 million initiative. The accounts produced and analytical insights gained have enhanced the project’s evaluation processes, with watershed monitoring under TULIP now including prioritization of specific ecosystem services, ensuring that the project’s impact on ecological and social outcomes is effectively tracked. In addition, a pilot study conducted in TULIP project areas examined connections between natural resource management and local livelihoods (including gender and social inclusion) for selected stakeholder groups. This work was instrumental in identifying areas where additional livelihood support for women is needed. The findings from the pilot study have shaped the design of the small grant program within TULIP, strengthening project implementation.
CAPACITY BUILDING AND INSTITUTIONALIZATION
Efforts to institutionalize NCA in Türkiye were further strengthened through organization of a dedicated dissemination event and national natural capital forum before the closing of the CIC project that brought together 65 representatives from key government agencies, including the Turkish Statistical Institute; Presidency of Strategy and Budget; Ministry of Culture and Tourism; and the general directorates of Forestry, Nature Conservation and National Parks, Combating Desertification and Erosion, State Hydraulics Works, and Agriculture. The forum provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, discuss adaptation of SEEA methodologies, and review progress in preparation of pilot basin accounts.
COMMUNICATION
In FY25, a series of communication activities was organized to launch the circular economy reports, including two workshops, one in Istanbul co- organized with the Ministry of Trade and Türkiye’s Exporters Assembly and another in Brussels with the Permanent Representation of Türkiye to the European Union and Türkiye Exporters Assembly. A GPS webinar was conducted. In total, 190 participants participated in these events, half of whom were female.
