IFLA sends condolences to those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

IFLA President Bruno Marques sends condolences on behalf of the federation to those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Merhaba

With a heavy heart, the world embraced the news of the deadly earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, taking the lives of thousands of people and destroying important infrastructure and resources.

In this time of sadness and sorrow, it’s important to reaffirm the support of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) to our colleagues and friends in the affected areas. The international community of landscape architects share our deepest thoughts with those affected by this natural disaster. In times of despair and dismay, we reflect on the importance of landscape, particularly urban open spaces. Open spaces become a refuge for and temporary home to thousands of people who need to adapt quickly to a new environment for days or months. It is in such devastating events that we see the power of landscape architecture in maintaining our green and blue infrastructures as those act as a ‘second home’ and providing multiple complex functions such as gathering and shelter, distribution of goods and services, re-establishment of commerce and activities, temporary inhabitation, commemoration and storage of contaminated and hazardous materials. 

Our international community of landscape architects and the LAWB (Landscape Architects Without Borders) y to step in and provide support in any way or shape. Working in unison will enable us to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters and strategise with governments and local authorities the best post-natural-disaster recovery plan with landscape in mind. But above all, it allows us to show our care and love for others and our landscapes. 

Ma'a salama