Rector Uzun was a guest on the “Green-Collar Workers” program.

Bartın University (BARÜ) Rector Prof. Dr. Orhan Uzun discussed the university’s vision projects as a guest on the Agricultural Forestry Screen program ‘Green Collar Workers’.

Bartın University (BARÜ) Rector Prof. Dr. Orhan Uzun answered current questions as a guest on the ‘Green Collar Workers’ program published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s publication organ, Agricultural Forestry Screen. In the program hosted by the successful presenter İsmail Yolcu, Rector Uzun addressed the works carried out at BARÜ in the fields of agriculture and forestry, stating that their goal is to contribute to Turkey’s development starting from where they are.

“We have entered the age of green collars”

Rector Uzun began his speech by expressing his happiness at being the first guest of the program, stating, “Companies are now investing in the employment of ‘green collars’, meaning they are investing in the employment of specialists in sustainable production/energy sectors that are rapidly growing in parallel with increasing environmental problems. If the work being done contributes to sustainable production, saves energy and natural resources, uses renewable energy, does not cause environmental and air pollution, and protects biodiversity, it falls under the definition of ‘green jobs’. Those working for a sustainable world and sustainable resources are also referred to as ‘Green Collars’, just like the name of the program. Of course, educational institutions, including Bartın University, are preparing young people for these new professions in line with new career goals. I am very happy to be participating in this program. I would like to thank our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. İbrahim Yumaklı, and the Director of Education and Publication Department, Dr. Bülent Kahraman Çolakoğlu, as well as all those who contributed to the realization of such a program.”

“We are adding value to our tomorrows starting from where we are”

In response to a question about BARÜ’s regionally focused development efforts, Rector Uzun expressed that their goal is to act in cooperation to achieve better outcomes. Rector Uzun stated, “We are carrying out some studies to take advantage of important opportunities for the development and competitiveness of our region, and to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship capacity. As a ‘producing university’ that not only transfers knowledge but also supports our region, city, and students at every point, we continue our training programs for farmers and producers in our region through our ‘Organic Agriculture’ program at our Vocational School. Additionally, with the support of the Western Black Sea Development Agency, which is the applicant for the project funded by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey, and Bartın University, and the Bartın Science Education Association as co-applicants, we are encouraging individuals of all ages who are open to education with our ‘Feed the Future’ smart greenhouse systems project, which has been qualified for support with the participation of the Bartın Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.”

“We are striving to increase adaptation and resilience to climate change”

Rector Uzun also reminded that increasing adaptation and resilience to climate change is one of the world’s priority issues, stating, “Rather than fighting climate change, we are focusing on adaptation and resilience. We are working on a project financed under the EU IPA II Framework Agreement to reduce the risks of flooding and water scarcity in Bartın. We are implementing exemplary practices with our strategies that we are advancing step by step. I would like to express my gratitude to our Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Mr. Murat Kurum, and our stakeholders for their trust and encouragement.”

“The award we received from our President has further motivated us for the future”

Additionally, regarding İsmail Yolcu’s mention of the ‘Local Development Contribution Award’ given to BARÜ by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a ceremony held at the Beştepe National Congress and Culture Center, Rector Uzun said, “We see this award as the most meaningful indication of the importance given to education and science.” Rector Uzun also stated that they direct their work in line with strategic goals and priorities, continuing his speech as follows:

“In areas where agriculture, livestock, and natural life intersect, it is a common problem that wild animals damage agricultural products, pets, and even humans. In solving this problem, electric fence systems that deter wild animals play an important role. These systems help to increase agricultural productivity while protecting natural life. Turning this idea into a product brought about the award. I express my gratitude to our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has opened our way with his leadership in our journey towards tomorrow. I thank our Minister of Justice, Mr. Yılmaz Tunç, for always being by our side and empowering us with his support since our establishment. I also thank YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for always encouraging us to achieve better results. I thank our Governor of Bartın, Dr. Nurtaç Arslan, for his contributions to the high cooperation and collaboration among the institutions and organizations of our city and for his close interest, as well as our MP Mr. Yusuf Ziya Aldatmaz and all our stakeholders from public institutions and organizations. I also thank those who contributed to the project, which I believe will motivate all our components, including Assoc. Prof. Ersin Alaybeyoğlu, the Chairman of the Board of TEKNO-MAR, Mr. İlker Köklü, and our KOSGEB Provincial Director, Mr. Gökhan Akdağoğlu, among others. We will continue to work and produce for the future of our country.”

The ‘Smart Electronic Fence’ project was explained through live connections. The consultant of the ‘Smart Electronic Fence’ project, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ersin Alaybeyoğlu from the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Design at BARÜ and the Chairman of the Board of TEKNO-MAR, İlker Köklü, also participated in the ‘Green Collar Workers’ program answering questions.

Alaybeyoğlu, discussing the process from the idea stage to the production stage of the project, said, “I am very happy that our studies, which started in 2018, have turned into a high value-added product and then into an important award.” Köklü, emphasizing that they have been carrying out significant work in the sector since 2012, stated, “At first, we were trying to meet the sector’s needs with products imported from abroad. In 2014, we attempted to develop a domestic product. When we reached a point where we were not sufficient, Bartın University came into play with the support of our Rector. With the support we received from KOSGEB, we successfully completed the project. Now the system we produce is much better than its counterparts abroad.”

The program concluded after addressing BARÜ’s efforts in education, research and development, and social responsibility.