One Health, One Izmir
The health of Izmir is possible not only through the well-being of its people but also through the health of all elements of the city. Izmir’s forests, plains, deltas, streets, parks and streams; the cats and dogs living in nature; accessibility and quality of life for people with disabilities; and the safety and accessibility of the elderly are all interconnected elements of a healthy city. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this holistic approach is adopted to ensure sustainability.
Due to the climate crisis and the rapid degradation of natural areas, the safety of the planet is under threat. For our world, which is rapidly losing its health, the health of Izmir is extremely important. Throughout history, Izmir has been among the most significant and valuable regions both naturally and culturally.
As part of the global biodiversity research conducted in 2006, 36 Biodiversity Hotspots were identified which, despite covering only 2.5% of terrestrial areas, host nearly 46% of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species. Izmir is located within one of these special regions, the Mediterranean Basin Hotspot, demonstrating its global environmental significance.
In terms of cultural and industrial heritage, Izmir stands out with two cultural assets listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, five cultural assets included on the World Heritage Tentative List, and its historic port. These elements are among the most important indicators that the city continues to maintain its attraction and status as a cultural hub. Izmir also holds great importance for tourism with its vibrant metropolitan life as well as traditional lifestyles maintained in rural areas.
All of these riches and the elements of the city are closely interconnected. Scientific research shows that there is a strong relationship between cultural richness and biological diversity—that is, natural richness. If we protect and enhance biodiversity, our cultural richness will also grow; otherwise, both face the danger of disappearing. As a living species ourselves, we must not forget that a degraded environment and polluted water and air threaten our health, and that by destroying natural areas we also lose our sources of food and medicine.
Furthermore, the circular economy approach, which has gained increasing acceptance in recent years, shows that economic activities are present at every stage of this process. Therefore, if we want to protect our health, we must preserve our natural and cultural values together with other living species with whom we share the city and create living spaces for every being within our cities.
We consider the health of our citizens with disabilities and elderly residents as a priority issue. We know that all sensitive and vulnerable elements in the city are interconnected when it comes to health and must be protected. We believe that economic activities can become circular through their direct relationship with environmental and human infrastructure and that they are therefore directly connected with and essential for health. By recognizing the impact that all these elements have on one another, we place the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the center of our approach and establish the logical foundation of the “One Health, One Izmir” perspective.
