A Turkish waste management leader warns reconstruction must prioritize demining and toxic waste control, or recovery risks becoming an environmental disaster.
As reported by the online media Ukrinform.
The rebuilding of Ukraine will unfold under a new paradigm – not just restoration, but effectively creating a country from scratch; ecological restoration will become its key element.
According to Ali Riza Onar, head of the Turkish Association for Waste Management and Waste-to-Energy Producers (TAYED), such a perspective underscores the role of ecology in future recovery.
Key Stages of Ecological Restoration
What is happening in Ukraine is not a classical reconstruction, but effectively the creation of a country anew. Therefore, at the first stage it is vital to correctly define ecological priorities. I view this process in five key directions
– Ali Riza Onar
First, ensuring territorial safety: without clearing mines, unexploded ordnance, and dangerous chemical residues, no infrastructure projects can develop properly.
Second, managing ruins and military waste: among the waste – not only concrete and metal – there are toxic substances, fuel residues, and asbestos. Uncontrolled handling of such waste could lead to a new environmental catastrophe.
Third, restoring systems of clean water and sewerage, as drinking water is critically important for public health.
Fourth, assessing and mapping contamination levels of soils and waters, because without precise data it is impossible to find the right solutions.
Fifth and most importantly: Ukraine should not simply reproduce the old system but build a new one – modern, ecological, and aligned with European standards.
The expert stressed the readiness of Turkish companies to share experience, as well as participate in restoration projects.
Turkey’s experience in infrastructure, waste management, municipal systems, and rapid on-site project deployment is a major advantage. They can actively collaborate with Ukrainian companies and international financial-technology structures
– Turkish expert
He assured that Turkey would act not only as an executor but as a partner offering solutions.
Thus, Ukraine’s partnership with Turkey in the field of ecological restoration could become a foundation for the country’s sustainable development and ensure a safe future for its population.
Source: https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/ac92a1b5_turkish_firms_pledge/