SESRIC participated in the programme entitled “Before Cities Run Dry: Xeriscaping for the Future of Water and Türkiye’s Water Atlas”, held on 9 June 2026 in Ankara, Republic of Türkiye. Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, the programme brought together representatives of public institutions, academia, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to address sustainable water management, water-efficient landscaping practices, and strategies for tackling growing water scarcity challenges.

The programme commenced with opening remarks by H.E. Mr. İbrahim YUMAKLI, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, who highlighted the increasing impacts of climate change on water resources. He underlined the importance of protecting and sustainably transferring water resources to future generations, emphasizing ongoing national efforts such as the National Water Plan, basin-based management approaches, and digital transformation in water governance.

During the event, the Ministry officially launched the Türkiye Water Atlas, a comprehensive reference work documenting the country’s water resources across 25 river basins. Serving as a bridge between the past and the future through scientific, cultural, historical, and technical perspectives, the Atlas represents a significant model of knowledge-based water governance. By consolidating extensive data into a single reference source, it provides a valuable national experience that may inspire similar efforts across the OIC region for strengthening water planning, monitoring, and sustainable management.

In following, a panel session focused on xeriscaping practices. Experts exchanged views on water-efficient landscape design, climate-resilient urban planning, biodiversity conservation, and innovative solutions to reduce urban water consumption.

The themes of the programme were highly relevant to the priorities outlined in the OIC Water Vision, adopted in 2012, which calls for strengthened cooperation to address water scarcity. According to SESRIC’s latest OIC Water Report, water security remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the region. Based on the most recent data, 16 OIC Member Countries face critical water stress, with 2 at high, 6 at medium, and 5 at low levels. This pressing reality underscores the vital need for stronger water governance, efficient water use, and closer cooperation among member states.

In response to these challenges, SESRIC actively supports OIC member countries through evidence-based analysis and capacity building. Currently, the Centre contributes to regional water security through several key initiatives:

• OICStat Database hosts 82 specific indicators on water, providing crucial data for policy-making and research.
• OIC Water Portal serves as a dedicated platform that connects national water institutions to facilitate knowledge sharing and cooperation.
• Water Capacity Building (Water-CaB) Programme has delivered over 25 capacity-building activities to date for experts and institutions across the OIC region.

The programme concluded with an exhibition highlighting xeriscaping applications and the newly launched Türkiye Water Atlas. Furthermore, the event reflected the growing international attention to water resilience, building upon the key themes discussed during the 5^th Istanbul International Water Forum hosted by Türkiye earlier in May 2026, further advancing the objectives of the OIC Water Vision through shared knowledge and best practices.