Near East University contributes to sustainable urban planning and development through collaboration with local authorities, professional organisations and academic institutions. These partnerships combine academic expertise with municipal planning priorities to address urban challenges, develop practical solutions and support more resilient, environmentally sustainable communities.

In 2025, Near East University strengthened its engagement with local authorities through direct collaboration with Nicosia Turkish Municipality on sustainable urban planning and academic participation in a municipality-supported spatial planning initiative in Kyrenia. These activities addressed green infrastructure, urban resilience, sustainable land use and the integration of environmental considerations into local development planning.

Resilient and Green Nicosia: Collaborative Urban Planning with Nicosia Turkish Municipality

October 2025 | Nicosia

Near East University Faculty of Agriculture collaborated directly with Nicosia Turkish Municipality (LTB), Ufuk Planlama and the Chamber of Landscape Architects of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB) to organise the Resilient and Green Nicosia Workshop, held as part of the Urban Forest Life Workshop Multidisciplinary Spatial Planning Training programme.

The six-day initiative brought together municipal officials, urban planners, landscape architects, academics, professional experts and students from universities in Northern Cyprus, Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The programme addressed key urban development challenges, including green infrastructure planning, climate resilience, sustainable land use, urban mobility and the integration of natural environments into city planning.

Working in multidisciplinary groups, participants conducted field assessments in areas identified by Nicosia Turkish Municipality. Municipal representatives provided information on local planning conditions, urban development priorities and existing green space policies, while Near East University academics contributed expertise in landscape planning, environmental sustainability and resilient urban design.

The workshop concluded on 13 October 2025 with the presentation of practical urban planning proposals to a multidisciplinary jury involving representatives of Near East University, Nicosia Turkish Municipality and professional organisations. The projects addressed opportunities to strengthen Nicosia's green infrastructure and improve the city's resilience to environmental and urban challenges.

Through its direct participation in the organisation, technical discussions, field assessments and evaluation of planning proposals, Near East University contributed academic expertise to a collaborative municipal planning initiative supporting the sustainable development of Nicosia.

Supporting Green Urban Development through the Urban Forest Life Workshop in Kyrenia

February 2025 | Kyrenia

Near East University Faculty of Agriculture contributed to the Urban Forest Life Workshop: Multidisciplinary Spatial Planning Training, organised through cooperation between Kyrenia Municipality, Eastern Mediterranean University Urban Research and Development Center (KENT-AG), Ufuk Planlama and professional planning and architecture organisations.

The workshop focused on sustainable spatial planning and the integration of green infrastructure into urban environments. The 20 July Stadium area within Kyrenia Municipality was selected as a pilot site for examining opportunities to expand green spaces and improve environmental quality in a densely developed urban setting.

Near East University was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buket Asilsoy, who delivered a presentation on Urban Landscape Planning and Design, together with three students from the Department of Landscape Architecture who participated in the multidisciplinary workshop activities.

The programme combined academic presentations with field-based planning exercises and concluded with the presentation of student project proposals to a jury that included representatives of Kyrenia Municipality and professional planning organisations.

Through the participation of its academic staff and students, Near East University contributed expertise in landscape architecture and sustainable spatial planning to a municipality-supported initiative. The workshop provided opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of planning approaches addressing Kyrenia's green infrastructure and urban development needs.