Visit of Return from the Burdur Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change to the Geography Department

T.R. Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, within the scope of the Institutional Accreditation Program (KAP) studies, held a meeting with the Burdur Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change on 09.05.2023 during the 2022-2023 spring semester, organized by the Department of Geography/Department Head. In the mentioned meeting, topics such as new course suggestions that will contribute to the career development of geography department students, job and internship opportunities within the ministry, and planning a talk with Geography Department students by the Provincial Directorate in the future were discussed.

In the following period, on 07.03.2024, the provincial directorate, accepted as an external stakeholder, made a return visit to the Geography department. A meeting was held with the Department of Geography/Department Head, and later a talk was organized with geography department students. The event was attended by Mr. Ali ZEREN, the provincial director from the Burdur Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Mr. Osman Murat YILDIZ, the deputy provincial director, and Mr. Sercan DURMAZ, the Branch Manager of Natural Heritage Protection Affairs.

In the talk, vital topics such as combating climate change, the effects of urbanization and environmental policies on geography, urbanization processes, and the critical importance of site selection were discussed in detail. Participants emphasized how taking conscious steps in these areas plays a role in sustainable development and the preservation of environmental balance. Information was shared about the internship and job opportunities opened within the ministry and the provincial directorate for geography students and graduates, and examples were provided on how these opportunities could shape their career paths. In-depth information was given on the importance of using geographic information systems (GIS) in today's world and how this technology plays a vital role in areas such as environmental planning, disaster management, and urbanization. Additionally, ideas were exchanged on how geography department graduates could make significant contributions to future projects, especially in city planning, environmental protection, and combating climate change. This interaction enabled students and graduates to better understand their potential roles in the sector and to explore the directions needed to achieve their future career goals.