TRABZON, Türkiye A delegation of consuls general from 11 countries to Istanbul took part in a four-day tour of Türkiye's Black Sea region aimed at promoting sustainability and raising global awareness of the area's natural and cultural heritage. The trip, organized by the Istanbul Consular Association and Our World Foundation, covered the scenic provinces of Trabzon, Rize, and Artvin in northeastern Türkiye on Aug. 19-22.
Representatives in Istanbul of Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Britain, Denmark, Croatia, Sweden, Ghana, Canada, Kosovo, and Pakistan took part to the trip. Receiving the diplomats, Trabzon Governor Aziz Yildirim stressed the importance of international cooperation in preserving the region's cultural and natural heritage. In Rize, Governor Ihsan Selim Baydas highlighted his province's unique position as the "capital of tea, rain, and greenery," urging diplomats to promote the region's beauty to help boost tourism.
The delegation visited key sites including the historic Sumela Monastery, Lake Uzungol, Karagol, the Ayder Plateau, and the Machakheli (Macahel Valley) biosphere reserve, on the border with Georgia. They also observed local agricultural practices, including hazelnut harvesting and tea production. Ivana Zerec, consul general of Croatia and the first female president of the Istanbul Consuls Association, praised the region's hospitality and its potential to attract more travelers.
Kahraman Haliscelik, head of the Our World Foundation, underlined the group's commitment to promoting sustainability in Türkiye and beyond. The initiative aims to increase international visibility of the Black Sea region's natural diversity and cultural significance while fostering discussion of sustainable development practices. *Writing by Yasin Gungor.
