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DirtyFOOT Project's KickOff Meeting

The "Increasing Knowledge and Awareness with Appropriate Changes in the University Curriculum to Ensure Sustainability of Reducing the Water Footprint Resulting from Maritime Activities" (DirtyFOOT) Erasmus+ project held its official kick?off meeting on December 17, 2025, bringing together partners from Türkiye, Greece, Croatia, and Italy. Hosted online via Zoom and moderated by Prof. Dr. Fatma TELLİ KARAKOÇ, the meeting marked the start of an ambitious collaboration focused on maritime sustainability, curriculum innovation, and international cooperation.

Key Highlights

  • Opening Session: Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Feyzioğlu and Prof. Dr. Hacer Sağlam welcomed participants and introduced the project’s vision.
  • Partner Experiences: Representatives from Türkiye, Greece, Croatia, and Italy shared case studies and local insights, enriching the collective knowledge base.
  • Work Packages: Detailed discussions on WP-2 to WP-5 outlined research, implementation, and dissemination strategies, ensuring a structured roadmap for progress.
  • Visibility & Impact: Emphasis was placed on outreach, communication, and engaging wider audiences to amplify the project’s influence beyond academia.
  • Curriculum Reform: Partners highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability and water footprint awareness into higher education programs.
  • Governance & Budget: Transparent management and clear partner duties were reviewed to support smooth execution.

The kick-off meeting underscored the regional relevance of the project, with diverse perspectives from partner countries shaping a holistic approach to maritime sustainability. By combining academic expertise with practical strategies, DIRTYFOOT aims to inspire future generations and strengthen international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.

Press release regarding the DirtyFOOT project kick-off meeting can be download here.


22 December 2025