Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit (Düzce – 15 May 2026)

The Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit Was Held in Düzce: A New Vision for Regional Development Is Taking Shape Around Water and Tourism

INTRODUCTION

Düzce hosted a strategic gathering set to shape the future of the Western Black Sea region. The “Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit” brought together numerous academics, public officials and civil society representatives to discuss the region’s water resources, tourism potential, infrastructure investments and institutional development models. At the summit, the vision of the Western Black Sea’s “transformation from a flood-prone region to a lake region” and the water-based development approach were comprehensively evaluated. Priorities are emerging. At first glance, the following headings stood out: The Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit was held in Düzce; Düzce hosted an important meeting. Chairman Dr Faruk Özlü: “Tourism is Our Region’s Greatest Asset” “We Want to Develop the Region from Düzce to Sinop” MP Ayşe Keşir: “Water is the Most Important Issue of Today and Tomorrow”. BAKFED General President and Moderator Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin Ateş: “The Western Black Sea Can Produce as Much as Switzerland; Cide is the Davos of Turkistan – Düzce Should Become a Global Financial Centre Instead of Dubai” Erol Tayhan, President of the Western Black Sea Independent Journalists’ Association and BAKFED Board Member: “The Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Project is an approach covering seven provinces along the Düzce-Sinop corridor that will determine Turkey’s future in terms of urban planning and development”. Kazım Ergün, General President of TÜED and Founding President of the Western Black Sea Council: “I wholeheartedly congratulate Mr Dr Faruk Özlü, Mayor of Düzce, who is hosting this development and vision initiative that positions the Western Black Sea as Turkey’s new locomotive of development, and BAKFED President Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin Ateş, the Education Coordinator and Moderator.”

The “Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit”, organised in collaboration with Düzce Municipality, the Western Black Sea Council and BAKFED, was hosted by Mayor Dr Faruk Özlü. At the workshop, attended by guests from neighbouring provinces, particularly Kastamonu, and relevant academics, strategies to be developed through Düzce’s water power and water resources were discussed.

Düzce Mayor Dr Faruk Özlü welcomed BAKFED members, academics and representatives from Western Black Sea provinces to the “Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit” held in Düzce. The workshop, which discussed the development process of the Western Black Sea provinces—particularly Düzce—which are rich in water resources, was attended by AK Party Central Decision-Making and Executive Board Member and Düzce MP Ayşe Keşir, Founding President of the Western Black Sea Council and TÜED General President Kazım Ergün, relevant agency directors and academics.

Western Black Sea Council President Dr Faruk Özlü: “THE NORTH OF TURKEY IS NOW MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN THE SOUTH”

Speaking at the opening of the programme, Düzce Mayor Dr Faruk Özlü, noting that the main agenda of the meeting was water, said: “The main agenda of this meeting is water. Water is, of course, very important. The protection, development and storage of our water resources are important. The world has two major problems: water storage and energy storage. Both are important. I hope this meeting serves as a catalyst for good.”

Continuing his speech, Mayor Özlü emphasised that the most important development strategy for the Western Black Sea provinces, particularly Düzce, should focus on tourism—an area that remains largely untapped—and expressed his belief that the north of Turkey would soon become a more attractive region than the south.

“WE WANT TO DEVELOP THE REGION FROM DÜZCE TO SİNOP”

“The term ‘development’ is a very broad concept. We must choose a focal point here. The region we refer to as the Western Black Sea stands out for its untapped tourism potential,” Mayor Özlü continued, adding: “As the Western Black Sea Tourism Association, we have collaborated with TÜRSAB to develop tourism. From 2027 onwards, we will be working on ‘Near Black Sea Tours’. Tourism will be our focal point in this region. I invite you all to support and participate in the activities of the Western Black Sea Tourism Association. After the holiday, we will visit the 6+1 provinces and invite the mayors and provincial governors of these provinces to join our association. We will carry out promotional and programme activities. We will draft projects. We will work to secure funding from the World Bank and the Japan Bank. In addition to this plan, which will be based on culture and gastronomy, we will also take initiatives to revitalise the Karaelmas Railway Line and Çaycuma Airport. Today, six international brand hotel investments are currently underway in Düzce. This is no easy task. We want to develop and revitalise the region stretching from Düzce, a key junction, all the way to Kastamonu and Sinop. I would like to thank our very distinguished guests for accepting our invitation.”

AYŞE KEŞİR: “COMBINING THE STRENGTHS AND LOCAL RESOURCES OF SEVEN CITIES WILL BE BENEFICIAL”

Ayşe Keşir, Member of the AK Party’s Central Decision-Making and Executive Board and MP for Düzce, began her speech by noting that development in the new world is now regional in nature, adding that regional development is of particular importance in provinces of Düzce’s scale. Keşir said, “We consult with the Minister from time to time; our province has a waste treatment plant, but this has a population-based capacity. Making this regional—along with urban planning, transport and many other aspects—will be of immense value in terms of both reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The Western Black Sea region’s proximity to a metropolis like Istanbul presents a major opportunity, particularly for tourism, industry and even education. To capitalise on this opportunity, it will be a highly productive endeavour for the seven cities to pool their resources and set out their objectives within a structured plan. Water is the most critical issue of the present and the future. In that sense, I would like to emphasise that I consider it very important for the meeting to be held at the water centre. I would like to thank everyone involved,” he said.

TÜED PRESIDENT AND FOUNDING CHAIRMAN KAZIM ERGÜN: “The world is a trust that we must leave pristine for future generations. I would like to thank Mr Özlü and Mr Ateş.”

Kazım Ergün, Founding President of the Western Black Sea Council and General President of TÜED, shared his heartfelt hopes that the workshop would be beneficial to the world, our country and humanity, saying, “We humans did not come to this world to eat, drink and pollute it. On the contrary, we are duty-bound to leave a sparkling world and a sparkling Turkey for future generations. Kazım Ergün, General President of TÜED and Founding President of the Western Black Sea Council: “I wholeheartedly congratulate the honourable Minister and Mayor of Düzce, Dr Faruk Özlü, who is hosting this development and vision initiative that positions the Western Black Sea as Turkey’s new locomotive of development, as well as the Education Coordinator and Moderator, BAKFED President Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin Ateş.”

Erol TAYHAN, President of the Western Black Sea Independent Journalists’ Association: Turkey’s approach to development and urban planning will be environmentally friendly.

Erol Tayhan, President of the Western Black Sea Independent Journalists’ Association and Member of the BAKFED Board of Directors, noted that the ‘Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy’ project—covering seven provinces including Sinop—is a project that will shape Turkey’s future in terms of development and urban planning, and expressed his sincere thanks to the participants and the host, Mr Özlü.

It was emphasised that the Düzce Summit, the first event held in the region’s provinces following the 2026 Ankara Western Black Sea Workshop, was productive, that the next one will be held in Kastamonu, and that the region will develop in every field.

ATEŞ: “Just as the Western Black Sea is indispensable for the defence of the homeland, it is equally indispensable for national unity, economic development and social progress. Cide should be the Davos of Turkistan, and Düzce the New Dubai of the Global World.”

Following the opening speeches, the first session of the workshop was conducted under the moderation of Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin Ateş. Having observed 23 years ago that İSKİ intended to abandon the Melen water source, ATEŞ noted in his inspection report that this water source could not be abandoned and that doing so would result in millions of dollars in debt; subsequently, the project was redesigned. He noted that one-third of Istanbul’s water is sourced from this water, and that as of now, 47 per cent is sourced from Düzce. However, alongside the Melen River, which produces 1 billion cubic metres of clean water annually, the Filyos River produces 3 billion, the Sakarya River 6 billion, the Melet River 1.5 billion, and the Kızılırmak (though not sufficiently clean) 8 billion, and the micro-basins 1.5 billion cubic metres of water, and that this would meet one-third of Turkey’s needs. He emphasised that basing planning on water resources in the preparations for the New Water Law constitutes a revolutionary shift in environmentalism and strategy for Turkey.

BAKFED President and moderator Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin Ateş later stated in his remarks: “The Western Black Sea region can produce as much as Switzerland; Turkey can join the G-10. Cide should be the Davos of Turkistan, and Düzce should become the new financial centre of the global world (like Dubai).”

Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin Ateş, the academic coordinator and moderator of the ‘Western Black Sea Water, Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit’, who noted that there has been a ‘Western Black Sea Dream’ for a quarter of a century, established the Western Black Sea Equal Opportunities Association (BAKFED) in 2019 , and institutionalised through the Kızılcasu Declaration; which has spread to the public via the Western Black Sea Council and the Western Black Sea Platform, and transformed into the “Western Black Sea Movement” through a series of workshops, has become a regional development locomotive and a national development vision.

Ateş summarised the following key elements:

• Equal Opportunities and Regional Justice: Ensuring that the Western Black Sea region (at least part of it—TR 82—Kastamonu, Sinop, Çankırı) is no longer Turkey’s most underdeveloped/impoverished region, and that the geographical wealth of the remaining areas is reflected in the lives of the people,

• Water-Based Development Model: Water security, smart management of flood and water resources, the integration of water with tourism and development, generating revenue by selling water to Istanbul, Kocaeli, Ankara and Eskişehir, and transforming the region through its water resources under the “Western Black Sea, Water and Civilisation” approach,

• Tourism and Natural Wealth-Focused Economy: Valuing the magnificent forests, mountains, coastlines, canyons and biodiversity in the manner of the Swiss model, declaring a large part of the region a tourism zone to ensure eco-tourism, nature tourism and sustainable development,

• Infrastructure and Integration: Integrating the region with the centre and the country through connectivity projects such as the Filyos, Cide, İnebolu and Sinop ports, the railway, the coastal road and the high-speed train, and making the high-speed train a catalyst,

• Governance and Democratic Practices: Developing governance and democratic practices by establishing regional platforms/councils such as the Western Black Sea Council, diaspora integration, collaboration with local NGOs and academia, and ensuring greater political representation (ministers, senior bureaucrats),

• Regional Identity Building: Ensuring “movement”, “cooperation” and “mutual aid” through the “Western Black Sea Model”,

• High-Tech Zone: Planning a part of the region as a High-Tech and software zone;

• Istanbul’s Safe Alternative Living and Evacuation Area: Creating safe and clean living spaces with low-rise ‘Citta Slow’ settlements in the Lakes Region, easily accessible via the High-Speed Train (YHT),

• Institutional Framework: Establishing the Western Black Sea Development Project (BAKAP) and setting up the Western Black Sea Development Authority (BAKİ),

• Overall Vision and Objective: Making the Western Black Sea region, capable of producing as much as Switzerland, Turkey’s new development locomotive, thereby elevating Turkey into the G-10,

• Closed Eco-System (Natural Resources, Capital and Labour): Western Black Sea Natural Gas, Zonguldak Coal, Küre Copper, Karabük Iron and Steel, Western Black Sea Forest Resources, human resources in the diaspora, and the construction of a closed eco-system through the sale of retained water to citizens via local authorities, thereby achieving a development drive independent of foreign capital.

The Western Black Sea is a region of wealth, not poverty; of opportunity, not disaster. It aims to become a region of lakes, not floods. It is essential to overcome the historical fragmentation stemming from its mountainous, forested, and scattered settlement structure by establishing a shared regional vision (“Western Black Sea 2035”).

Rather than relying on a single visible leader—a “primes inter pares”—the region must be transformed into a locomotive model driving Turkey’s ascent to the top tier through sustainable systems and institutions. This vision is being progressively realised through summits, workshops, protocols and projects.

In this development initiative, institutions such as BAKFED and the newly established European Western Black Sea Foundation, alongside key figures including Kazım ERGÜN, Founding President of the Western Black Sea Council and General President of TÜED; Haydar ÇOLAKOĞLU, pioneer of the Western Black Sea Platform; and Dr Faruk ÖZLÜ, Mayor of Düzce and President of the Western Black Sea Development Union (Tourism Union), have a significant role to play. In particular, it is expected that the union led by Mr ÖZLÜ will move swiftly to develop a Western Black Sea Development Plan. His political experience and administrative leadership make him well-suited to planning social transformation.

In short, entrepreneurship, water and strategic natural resources—along with the revenue they generate—human resources, nature, planning, tourism and institutional unity are facilitating the Western Black Sea’s role as a driving force for high-speed rail in Turkey.

DSİ 55th Branch Director Deniz Yıldız: “Düzce is transitioning from a flood-prone region to a lake region; Düzce’s water supply meets half of Istanbul’s water needs. Furthermore, the cost of flood management is much higher than that of water management.”

DSİ 55th Branch Director Deniz Yıldız, in his presentation titled ‘From the Flood Zone to the Lakes Region’, highlighted that 33 floods had occurred over 60 years, and emphasised that transitioning from flood management to basin-based water management is both more cost-effective and more profitable. He stated that a ‘Lakes Region’ vision, comprising 75 projects, dams and reservoirs, would significantly alleviate pressure on Ankara and Istanbul, whilst also making Düzce a resilient region. The importance of flood storage and integrated water management was highlighted.

If the Western Black Sea region transitions to water management, water scarcity will cease in its nine provinces, and it will also be able to meet the drinking water needs of the seven major cities in the surrounding area. Floods will become a thing of the past. A high-quality water supply will be established at low cost, and this will translate into prosperity.

Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at Düzce University, Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kara: “Water-Based Regional Transformation must be realised; the Western Black Sea Development Plan (BAKAP) must be implemented without delay. We are ready. A facility should be named after Hazım Tütüncüoğlu. “

In his presentation titled ‘Water-Based Regional Transformation: Western Black Sea Development Plan: BAKAP’, Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kara, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at Düzce University, stated that extraordinary leaps could be made through the correct application of development principles in the Western Black Sea Region. He highlighted that the failure to replicate the structural changes brought about by the GAP planning in the Western Black Sea region through the BAKAP planning constitutes a shortcoming, and argued that the definition of ‘eliminating regional inequalities’ would be more accurate than that of ‘regional development’. He stressed the importance of a water strategy but argued that a balanced development model should be preferred over unbalanced development; to overcome resource bottlenecks, the region’s natural gas, coal, copper, forest resources, human resources and iron and steel potential must be mobilised, and development in critical sectors would have a catalytic effect. Noting that Turkey has not yet reached the final stage of development and is currently in the 4th stage, Kara highlighted the importance of being among the first founders. He stressed the need for short-, medium- and long-term plans to progress through each stage, and underlined the importance of planning the first (central) stage.

Düzce University Lecturer İlyas Temel Şafak: “The Western Black Sea Regional Development Authority: BAKİ must be established. Like the GAP Authority, the BAKİ Authority will also enrich the region.”

Lecturer İlyas Temel Şafak, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of establishing the “Western Black Sea Regional Development Authority: BAKİ”, just as the establishment of the GAP Authority was significant. He emphasised the importance of administrative structure, remarking that BAKİ would be a pleasant echo in this remaining dome. Drawing a parallel between the Western Black Sea and Switzerland, Şafak highlighted the region’s capacity to directly influence more than half of Turkey’s population and indirectly affect the remainder through 9 core regions and 4 macro-interaction zones. stated that the writings of Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin ATEŞ, President of BAKFED and one of the founders of the Western Black Sea Council—particularly his work on Strasam—are now entering the implementation phase. He underscored that with the construction of the double high-speed rail line and the vision for the lakes region, not only Turkey but the world would gain a new, shining region.

In his subsequent assessment, Şafak summarised and evaluated his presentation as follows: “I was greatly honoured to participate as a panellist at the ‘Western Black Sea Water-Based Development, Tourism and Strategy Summit’, hosted by Mr Dr Faruk Özlü, Mayor of Düzce and President of the Western Black Sea Council, on 15 May. At the summit, I shared my institutional solution proposal—the BAKI (Western Black Sea Development Authority) vision—with the participants, which aims to break down the region’s structural inequalities and integrate its fragmented geography. We are building this vision, which encompasses 9 core provinces and 4 macro-interaction regions, upon 6 strategic pillars:

1. Logistics & Mega Transport: A new logistics corridor linking Anatolia to the Black Sea via dual high-speed rail lines and uninterrupted motorways.
2. Blue Infrastructure: A brand-new ‘Lakes Region’ model that halts floods and guarantees clean water reserves for mega-cities.
3. Tech-West Valley: A new hub for technology and innovation in Turkey, designed to trigger reverse brain drain.
4. Integrated Tourism: A macro-tourism destination that prevents capital monopolisation and ‘preserves by living’ nature and industrial heritage.
5. Agricultural Reform: The Strategic Products Law, which must be enacted without delay for the region’s treasures: chestnuts and aromatic plants.
6. Branding: From Filyos’s gas to Kastamonu’s copper; breaking the low-value-added cycle and transitioning from raw materials to global brands.

Now is the time not to gain value from a seat, but to add value to a seat. As Baki once said: “Let the voice resound through this world like David’s / For what remains in this dome is but a sweet echo.” I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who contributed to this summit, which sheds light on the region’s future, particularly to Assoc. Prof. Dr Selahattin Ates and the entire organising team.”

STRASAM Director Dr Hüseyin Fazla: “The Western Black Sea Must Prosper.”

In his presentation titled “The Strategic Strength of the Western Black Sea Geography”, STRASAM Director Retired Air Vice-Marshal Dr Hüseyin Fazla shared his research on water-based development policies through his carefully delivered remarks;

He emphasised that the region is a friend in times of need, possessing natural riches such as water resources, canyons and forests, alongside strategic natural resources—such as natural gas, coal and copper—whose reserves are set to yield far more, and serving as a key production hub for the iron and steel industry. However, he noted that two-thirds of the population have left for work, primarily to Istanbul and other parts of the country, yet he emphasised that should the region prosper, this population would return. Fazla Paşa offered the following commentary from an external and overarching perspective:

“People chase after wealth. The Western Black Sea must become wealthy. If you tend it, it becomes a garden; if you neglect it, it becomes a wasteland. The Sakarya-Karabük-Zonguldak corridor is Turkey’s prime geographical location for energy and industrial raw materials. The gas field holds reserves of 3–4 trillion cubic metres. The Western Black Sea is just as significant as the Eastern Mediterranean. The Bartın-Cide-Sinop corridor is also renowned for its natural beauty. Filyos Port is the driving force. Cide could become a major port in its own right. It is clear that the Central Route of the Silk Road is the Turkistan-Western Black Sea Corridor. It is secure. It is crucial that this corridor is easily accessible via high-speed rail lines and tunnels. The Black Sea Motorway, which is still unfinished, must also be completed. The vision of integrated tourism and a new lakes region is strategic for the area to become a centre for tourism and water-based activities. If high-speed rail is built using the region’s resources, the area will become a major attraction not only for domestic tourism but also for international tourism. Düzce could also become a financial hub, a ‘Dubai’ of its own.”

Tourism and Gastronomy Expert Orhan Genceli: “Turkey’s first Blue Zone should be the Western Black Sea, Turkey’s candidate for the New Lakes Region. To achieve this, it is sufficient simply not to replicate what was done in Uzungöl in the Western Black Sea.”

During the afternoon session, Orhan Genceli, owner of GNC Hospitality Management Consulting and a tourism and gastronomy expert, stated: “The Western Black Sea is the right place, the right destination.” Orhan Genceli’s “Five Senses, One Destination” concept aims to transform the Western Black Sea not merely into a place to be seen, but into a holistic experiential ecosystem to be fully felt.

A New Vision for Life in the Western Black Sea: How Can Turkey’s New Lakes Region Be Transformed into an Ecosystem? In his presentation titled [New Vision for Life in the Western Black Sea: How Will Turkey’s New Lakes Region Transform into an Ecosystem?], Genceli also concludes that this approach, which challenges the traditional notion of tourism, envisions the region’s potential through the five senses as follows: “Sight: The region’s rich green hues, canyons and mist-shrouded mountains offer a visual feast. Hearing: The turbulent waves of the Black Sea, the silence of the highlands and the sounds of birds are the destination’s soundtrack. Smell: The undergrowth flora, local plants and fresh air bring the scent of nature to life. Touch: Local textiles, the cool waters of the highlands and contact with the earth create a physical connection. Taste: The region’s geographically indicated products and rich gastronomic culture leave a lasting impression on the palate.”

Genceli envisions the Western Black Sea as a high-income, global lifestyle ecosystem that harmonises water resources, certified gastronomy and nature. By positioning the region under the “New Lakes Region” brand, which appeals to all five senses, he aims to transform it into a Blue Zone destination promising a long and healthy life. This holistic vision presents a tourism concept that blends health, nature, water-based investments and local culture, prioritising high-value-added experiences over hotel occupancy rates.

Hızel Hotel Manager Dr Mustafa Said Kocabıyık: “Integrated Experience Tourism is the Future Vision for the Western Black Sea. You’d never guess just how much of a draw the bee, the egg and the strawberry are.”

Dr Mustafa Said Kocabıyık, Manager of Hızel Hotel, emphasised the importance of harmonising people and nature through subtle touches, speaking both as a seasoned practitioner and an academic in the field of tourism. In his presentation titled ‘Düzce Tourism Integrated into the Western Black Sea within the Flood and Lake Equation’, Kocabıyık stated: “I fully support all the suggestions that have been made and highlighted. Integrated Experience Tourism is the Future Vision of the Western Black Sea. You could never imagine just how captivating the bee, the egg and the strawberry are.”

The approach highlighted by Dr Mustafa Said Kocabıyık, General Manager of Hızel Hotel; approaching the balance between floods and lakes in the Western Black Sea not merely as an environmental issue but as a framework for a tourist experience, fostering human connection with nature on a micro-scale through ‘integrated experience tourism’—transforming even the most ordinary-seeming local production elements, from bees to eggs, strawberries to water, transforming even the most ordinary-looking local production elements into high-perceived-value assets, thereby enabling the tourist’s not just visual but sensory, behavioural and emotional engagement, thus turning short-term visits into lasting loyalty and repeat demand—a sustainable destination model proposal.

Prof. Dr. İlhan Genç: “The Western Black Sea needs a Hazım Tütüncüoğlu. His influence in Düzce’s transformation from a flood-prone region to a lake-rich region, and from a city of disasters to a resilient city, is undeniable.”

In his presentation titled “From Disaster-Prone to Resilient Region: The Düzce Example”, Prof. Dr. İlhan Genç stated: “Professor Selahattin Ateş served as the District Governor of Keban and organised Turkey’s first Water Festival here. There is Hazım Tütüncüoğlu, who served as the DSİ regional director in Keban and was later appointed as the DSİ General Director. He made significant contributions to both the Keban Dam and the GAP Project. The Western Black Sea region needs a figure like Hazım Tütüncüoğlu. His influence in transforming Düzce from a flood-prone region to a lake-rich region, and from a city of disasters to a resilient city, is undeniable. Düzce, which experienced 33 disasters from 1965 onwards, has weathered each one with the projects of DSİ General Director Tütüncüoğlu, and following the earthquake, has transitioned to urbanisation in harmony with nature. In the past, there were ‘stages’ of travel. Postal services and travellers would move from one caravanserai to another, changing ‘stages’ as they went. Tourism in the Western Black Sea region should also be organised according to the logic of ‘menzil’ journeys. (Menzil Tourism – Integrated Tourism – Experience Tourism – MBD ”

Western Black Sea Council Kastamonu Chairman Sadık KIŞLI:

“The Ankara Workshop, hosted by Mr Kazım ERGÜN, President of TÜED and Founding President of the Western Black Sea Council, the Istanbul Grand Western Black Sea Iftar organised by Mr Haydar ÇOLAKOĞLU, President of the Western Black Sea Council in Istanbul and President of the Kastamonu Platform, and now the Düzce Water, Tourism, Development and Strategy Summit organised by Dr Faruk ÖZLÜ, President of the Western Black Sea Council and BAKAB, and Mayor of Düzce, have all been successful. Our next destination will be Kastamonu, the Paşa Sancağı of the Western Black Sea. I invite you all to the Kastamonu Tourism and Gastronomy Summit. I would be honoured to host you.”

The programme concluded with a tour for guests from outside the province of the Konuralp Ancient Theatre, the Drinking Water Infrastructure Investments and Facilities, and the Aydınpınar Social Facilities and Waterfall.

CONCLUSION

The summit held in Düzce signalled the institutionalisation of a new approach that addresses water, tourism and strategic planning together within the development perspective of the Western Black Sea region. Participants demonstrated a shared commitment to the need to transform the region’s natural resources into economic value through comprehensive planning.

The views expressed at the summit demonstrated that the Western Black Sea could serve as a strategic development corridor not only at a regional but also at a national level, whilst emphasising the necessity of addressing water management, tourism integration and infrastructure investments in tandem.

In the overall assessment, it was stated that the Düzce Summit marked the starting point for a new development paradigm for the Western Black Sea region and that this process would continue in the provinces of the region, particularly Kastamonu, Zonguldak and Karabük.