Validated Expert info
Expert can perform the Lead expert role and Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:
1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
2. Thematic expertise:
[Climate adaptation, Communication, Participative governance, Urban design]
3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
> Integrated and participatory design of strategies
> Sustaining stakeholder engagement and translating strategies into actions
Summary
I am an urban practitioner and researcher with 14 years of experience supporting cities, communities, civil society and international networks. I practice across urbanism, participatory local planning and governance and community-based conservation of biodiversity and terrestrial and marine spaces, with experience spanning local, national and transnational initiatives across Europe and the Mediterranean. My work has been supported by programs such as the European Commission’s Policy Support Reform, the European Union Civil Society Fund, COST, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, TU Wien EXCITE Fund, Conservation Collective Turquoise Coast Environment Fund, and the French Embassy Environment Fund.
I am happy to support URBACT Networks as a lead or ad-hoc expert in terms of the thematic areas below:
In participatory governance, I have worked across neighbourhood, municipal and transnational scales. From participatory urban design and right-to-the-city initiatives to participatory conservation planning, I have designed and facilitated processes that bring together local governments, CSOs, local communities, researchers and other stakeholders to jointly shape policies, strategies and projects. Currently, within GIZ’s PACE programme, I lead the civic participation component supporting 24 municipalities in Türkiye’s earthquake-affected region to strengthen participatory governance, establish multi-stakeholder engagement mechanisms and integrate community perspectives into recovery planning and implementation.
My urban design experience combines practice and teaching. I have contributed to urban vision plans and strategic frameworks for cities across Türkiye, taught urban and landscape design studios in different universities, received awards in urban design competitions and supported participatory public space design and conservation of urban heritage initiatives through collaborations with TU Wien and the Chamber of Architects of Türkiye.
Over the past six years, I have worked on climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation through cultural landscapes, sustainable livelihoods and community stewardship. My experience includes spatial conservation planning, participatory coastal and marine conservation, community-based landscape and seascape strategies, and collaborations across Mediterranean including IUCN, WWF and BirdLife International on biodiversity and climate. I supported coordination of transnational exchange for conservation of cultural landscapes, between 13 organisations as part of Alliance for Mediterranean Nature & Culture. I have also contributed to international advocacy promoting pastoralism as a nature-based solution for climate adaptation and sustainable rural development.
Communication has been a consistent thread throughout my work. I have developed communication strategies, advocacy campaigns, publications and learning resources for CSOs, international networks and EU-funded initiatives and acted Communications Coordinator for several organizations. I led efforts to translate complex issues into compelling narratives, strengthen stakeholder engagement and support collective action across diverse audiences and geographies.
As an URBACT expert, I bring a combination of strategic thinking, coordination skills, research capacity, and hands-on implementation experience. I enjoy creating collaborative environments where people can learn from one another, build shared ownership and translate ideas into practical and tangible actions.