Denmark a role model to local water market
Güncelleme Tarihi:
by Ceylan Yeğinsu
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 18, 2009 00:00
ISTANBUL -As one of the leading countries in energy efficiency and as market leader in energy saving equipment, Denmark could be a role model for the Turkish market according to Jesper Vahr, the Danish ambassador to Turkey.
103 Danish companies are active in Turkey in regards to environment related issues. The Danish pavilion that features at the expo center of the 5th world water forum in Istanbul, has much to offer Turkey through its consultancy, investments and initiatives and expertise in the water technology industry, said Vahr in an interview with Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. Danish energy consumption relative to GDP is the lowest in the European Union. The Danish ambassador expressed his excitement about the forum, saying water was an important part of the equation for energy efficiency and environment related issues, all coming together in Istanbul at the biggest international gathering for on water related issues.
"The key is to build the awareness of consumers about environmental responsibility in order to bring down consumption and develop technology and facilities that can sustain less water consumption," said Vahr, adding that in Denmark the total use of water has decreased by nearly 40 percent in the last decade.
Vahr explained that various Danish consultancy companies, such as Grontmij, have been active with the Turkish central government and municipalities in projects to increase water supply and handle waste water in an environmentally safe manner. According to Vahr, new drinking water equipment has been put into place and water pipes have been implemented in order to circulate sea water and waste water safely without seepage.
Vehr said that only 20 percent of waste water was treated and recirculated in Turkey, where as in Denmark the majority of water in Denmark is redistributed through the system.
Commenting on the types of water projects Denmark is contributing to in Turkey, the ambassador said that in the main cities of Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir the focus of the projects were based on water transportation.
When asked about Turkey’s progress on environmental issues, Vahr said it was evident that these issues receive strong political attention in Turkey and this was confirmed during President Abdullah Gül’s visit to Denmark in August 2008. The sticking point according to Vahr is that it is a huge investment for Turkey to be brought to EU standards and then to sustain those standards. Vahr pointed out that Turkey signing the Kyoto protocol was of utmost importance where much can be obtained.
"The key is to build the awareness of consumers about environmental responsibility in order to bring down consumption and develop technology and facilities that can sustain less water consumption," said Vahr, adding that in Denmark the total use of water has decreased by nearly 40 percent in the last decade.
Vahr explained that various Danish consultancy companies, such as Grontmij, have been active with the Turkish central government and municipalities in projects to increase water supply and handle waste water in an environmentally safe manner. According to Vahr, new drinking water equipment has been put into place and water pipes have been implemented in order to circulate sea water and waste water safely without seepage.
Vehr said that only 20 percent of waste water was treated and recirculated in Turkey, where as in Denmark the majority of water in Denmark is redistributed through the system.
Commenting on the types of water projects Denmark is contributing to in Turkey, the ambassador said that in the main cities of Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir the focus of the projects were based on water transportation.
When asked about Turkey’s progress on environmental issues, Vahr said it was evident that these issues receive strong political attention in Turkey and this was confirmed during President Abdullah Gül’s visit to Denmark in August 2008. The sticking point according to Vahr is that it is a huge investment for Turkey to be brought to EU standards and then to sustain those standards. Vahr pointed out that Turkey signing the Kyoto protocol was of utmost importance where much can be obtained.