Ecological Democracy
We are well aware that the essence of democracy inherently includes the rights of nature. However, it is crucial to move beyond this understanding and acknowledge that nature itself is a subject for rights. We must integrate the rights of nature, particularly in the context of the climate emergency, into the definition of a new democracy. This is essential because nature is not just a commodity or a space for exploitation; it constitutes the core of life and serves as the origin of universal harmony for all living entities.
Hence, in Izmir, we advocate for a novel interpretation of democracy that incorporates nature rather than excluding it from the democratic framework. This concept is called Ecological Democracy. According to Ecological Democracy, nature is not merely a resource to be exploited; instead, it serves as the cornerstone for models such as circular cities and circular economies. The relationship between ecology and the economy goes beyond a simple phonetic similarity. We acknowledge that preserving the ecosystem is crucial for the economy.
Through the concept of Ecological Democracy, we are increasing the welfare of Izmir and ensuring its fair distribution. By fostering a circular culture that embraces living in harmony with nature, we are building Izmir as a city resilient to challenges.