About | Istanbul Environment Centre

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is advancing sustainable waste management and environmental protection through integrated geospatial data, stakeholder engagement, and community-driven initiatives that addresses the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

One of the key efforts of this initiative is the development of a zero-waste knowledge hub, supported by UN-Habitat through the Istanbul Environment Centre in Türkiye. The Centre provides high-quality geospatial and remote-sensing data to support evidence-based decision-making for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental experts.

The initiative also promotes stakeholder consultations, youth engagement, and an online platform dedicated to zero-waste principles that serves as a global repository for best practices and case studies, fostering knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. The Istanbul Environment Centre also aims to be a global platform for advancing zero waste and circular economy approaches, strengthening knowledge exchange and enabling scalable, data-driven solutions. It supports cities in transitioning to resource-efficient systems through:

Circular economy and life-cycle approaches
Waste prevention and reuse strategies
Data-driven policy development

Aligned with UNEP’s mission, this partnership leverages geospatial intelligence, digital tools, and community engagement to accelerate progress toward more sustainable and resilient urban systems.

VISION

To accelerate the transition to zero waste and circular economy approaches by leveraging geospatial intelligence, digital tools and community engagement for a healthier planet and more inclusive cities.

Role of the Centre

Knowledge Sharing

Provides geospatial data, best practices, and case studies to support evidence-based decision-making and scale effective solutions.

Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitates consultations and partnerships with governments, experts, civil society and the private sector.

Youth & Community Action

Empowers youth and communities through initiatives and an online platform centered on zero-waste principles.

Approach of the Centre

Circular Economy & Life-Cycle Approaches

Designing out waste and keeping resources in use longer.

Waste Prevention & Reuse Strategies

Preventing waste at the source and promoting reuse and repair.

Data-Driven Policy Development

Turning data into insights and policies that drive measurable environmental outcomes.

Impact

Addresses the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Supports cities in transitioning to resource-efficient and circular systems.

Enables better decisions with data, evidence and innovation.

Builds partnerships and empowers communities for sustainable change.

Advances the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.