Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) signed a collaboration protocol with Switzerland-based ‘7Cbasalia Global AG’ which owns the Circular Bio-Basalia Technology and has become an expert in addressing issues related to climate change, waste/environment, energy, water, emissions, soil, and materials. The signing session took place on Monday, 15 July 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at EMU Rector’s Office where EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and the Chairperson of Board of Directors at 7Cbasalia Global AG Ahmet Başal signed the said protocol. Present during the signing session were EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, 7Cbasalia Global IT Consultant Cüneyt Çerkez, renowned Turkish cinema artist and 7Cbasalia Global AG Art Consultant Çetin Altay and, EMU Academic Affairs Coordinator Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Ali Çiçek.
The signed protocol aims to transform EMU into the world’s first “green and circular university with zero waste and zero emission”. Furthermore, the protocol aims to establish academic partnerships in ‘Circular Technology and Circular Economy’, crucial areas for tackling climate change, and to position EMU as a key global player in these sectors both in Cyprus and internationally. It also focuses on converting waste from EMU and the surrounding region into environmentally beneficial and high value-added products like energy, water, emissions reduction, soil improvement, and innovative materials. Moroever, the protocol seeks to develop high value-added, climate-adaptive new materials in the TRNC and support the creation of a ‘Circular Economic System’, a sustainable economic model that reintegrates waste into the economy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted that today’s event represents a new phase in adopting a circular approach at EMU, marking the first step towards establishing a green university. Pointing out that, in line with EMU’s societal responsibilities, it is essential to pursue zero waste initiative, Prof. Dr. Kılıç mentioned that this initiative would boost efforts in this field. Emphasizing that zero waste is a critical global issue, Prof. Dr. Kılıç underlined the importance of reusing rapidly depleting resources. Lastly, Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the actualization of the protocol and wished for its success.
In his speech, 7Cbasalia Global AG Board of Directors’ Chairperson Ahmet Başal touched on the rapid depletion of world resources and stressed the vital need to take right steps. Expressing that TRNC is one of the best places to establish the notion of circularity, Başal emphasized that, with academic support from EMU, the TRNC could lead the way in becoming a green island. Başal expressed his gratitude to EMU for their support and wished success for everyone involved in the collaboration protocol.
On the other hand, Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe noted that the issue is one of the most important goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Karatepe emphasized EMU’s efforts in the field are recognized in global rankings and that the university is listed among the world’s universities in this regard. Prof. Dr. Karatepe also wished for the success of the protocol.