Bringing together Europe's leading academic and sectoral organizations, the “EPD-Net (Filling The Gap: Development of Ecological Planning and Design Learning Network and an Adaptive Smart Training Module for Disaster Resilient and Sustainable Cities)” project is being implemented as an innovative initiative aimed at integrating ecological planning and design into disaster resilience strategies. The project, carried out in cooperation with 22 stakeholders from seven countries, is supported by the Erasmus+ Program.

Within the scope of the project, EPD-Net officially commenced with an opening meeting held online at 20:00 on March 17, 2025. In addition to speeches outlining the project's scope and content, Istanbul Kültür University Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Gülce Öğrüç Ildız, delivered a speech of gratitude.

The EPD-Net project aims to develop new planning approaches by addressing the critical role of ecological planning and design in disaster risk management. EPD-Net seeks to enhance the sustainability and resilience of cities and societies by integrating advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and artificial intelligence into ecological planning processes.

The project will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including Prof. Dr. Neslihan Dostoğlu, Prof. Dr. Evren Burak Enginöz, Prof. Dr. Evrim Özkan, Assist. Prof. Zeynep Ayşe Gökşin, faculty members of Istanbul Kültür University Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture under the chair of Eskişehir Technical University, as well as many local and international academics, public institutions, private sector representatives, and non-governmental organizations. Internationally recognized experts, project partners, and relevant sector representatives will collaborate to build a safer, more sustainable, and resilient future within the scope of the EPD-Net project.