Landscape Istanbul Fair 2024 to deliver thought leadership and product innovation!

When Landscape Istanbul Fair 2024 (LIF 2024) opens its doors from 13-16 November, it will host an impressive line up of international thought leaders and market leading suppliers for three days of high-quality industry content and business exchange.
The World Urban Parks Symposium will be held for two days between 13-14 November 2024, where it is free to attend for pre-registered delegates
Boasting a line-up of international speakers who are undoubtedly some of the most knowledgeable and influential experts in their field, attendees will be treated to presentations detailing case studies and latest thought leadership on key issues for planning and maintenance of parks and urban green spaces.

Tim GEYER
Service Manager - Urban Landscapes of Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council

Tim has a Bachelor Degree in Urban Horticulture and is a Certified International Parks Professional. With a strong passion for Urban Parks, Tim has over 45 years’ experience in, Local Government in Australia, in strategic, financial and operational management of the Parks, Urban Landscapes and Recreational services. Experiences including overseeing multi-discipline teams in the technical and operational delivery of Parks and Open Space, Playgrounds, Indoor and Outdoor Sports facilities, Aquatic Centres, Bushland Management, Tree Management, Showgrounds, Museums and Historical sites. Major projects completed included redevelopment and preservation of heritage listed sites, development of major sporting complexes and revitalisation of CBDs and Urban Spaces Within World Urban Parks, Tim has carried out the role of Co-Chair on the Advocacy Committee – Older Adults in Parks, served as a Juror on the Large Urban Parks Awards, Co-chairs the Asia Pacific region and now is WUP- Deputy Chair. Tim prides himself as striving to provide leadership and a global voice, championing to bring about change in government policy, professional design & management of urban parks and increased participation within urban park throughout the wider global community.

"The Critical Role of Urban Parks and Green Space in Community Health and Wellbeing"
(12:15 - 13:00)

In this session, Tim Geyer, Service Manager of Urban Landscapes at Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council, will delve into the essential role urban parks and green spaces play in promoting community health and well-being. Tim will discuss how thoughtfully designed green spaces can reduce stress, encourage physical activity, and foster social connections, ultimately creating healthier and more resilient communities. This session is ideal for professionals looking to harness the transformative impact of urban landscapes on public health.

Kevin HALPENNY
Senior Parks & Landscape Officer at Fingal County Council

Kevin is a Landscape Architect working with Fingal County Council in North Dublin, Ireland in the role of Senior Parks & Landscape Officer for the local authority. Kevin is a past President of the Irish Landscape Institute which is the professional body representing Landscape Architects in Ireland and he is also a Board Member and of World Urban Parks (WUP) and former Chair of World Urban Parks (WUP) Europe Committee and current Chair of the WUP Climate Change and Resilience Committee Kevin’s career as a Landscape Architect and Environmental Engineer spans 39 years working mainly in local government in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In his work, Kevin has been responsible for introducing initiatives and strategies relating to Green Infrastructure Planning, Management and Health Promotion. He is also centrally involved in Green Infrastructure related Policy Development, Open Space Policy and the Council's Open Space related Capital Programme and Biodiversity Action Plan. Kevin is chair of the Fingal Coastal Liaison Group which works with local communities affected by coastal change. He is responsible for a diverse range of capital projects relating to historic landscape restoration, transportation infrastructure, and the development of new parks, sports facilities and urban green spaces. Kevin is a strong advocate for Community Engagement as a means of building consensus and support for initiatives relating to physical planning. In his work he promotes urban biodiversity and the use of Ecosystem Services and Nature Based Solutions to address many of the challenges of increasing urbanisation. He believes that Public Health & Wellbeing is the core justification for Parks & Urban Green Infrastructure and that in this context, evidence-based practice is essential.

“Green Infrastructure (GI) Planning and Nature Based Solutions (NBS)”
(13:00 - 13:30)

Join Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer of Fingal County Council, in an insightful session on the planning and implementation of Green Infrastructure (GI) and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Kevin will explore how integrating these strategies into urban planning not only enhances biodiversity but also strengthens climate resilience, improves public health, and enriches community spaces. Perfect for urban planners, park managers, and sustainability advocates looking to create greener, more sustainable urban environments.

Gabino CARBALLO
Landscape Architect and Senior Project Management Technician at Barcelona City Council

Gabino is a seasoned landscape architect with over 25 years of experience in green infrastructure, urban biodiversity, and sustainable landscape design. As Founding Partner at Natural Base Solutions SL, Gabino specialises in integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) into urban green spaces. His work spans public and private sector projects, where he focuses on ecological gardening, water management, and the promotion of biodiversity in urban environments. A recognised thought leader in the field, Gabino is a regular speaker at international conferences and workshops. He also has a strong background in education, having taught and coordinated courses in landscape architecture across various institutions. His expertise has earned him several awards for sustainability and innovation in landscape design.

“Storm Water: From Wasted Opportunity to Natural Solution”
(14:20 - 15:05)

Shifting Perspectives on Stormwater Traditionally, stormwater has been viewed as something to be removed quickly through drainage systems to prevent flooding. This approach often overlooks its potential as a valuable resource. With urbanisation and climate change intensifying, it's time to rethink how we manage stormwater and transform it from a waste product into a vital ecological asset.

Deniz ASLAN
Master Architect & Landscape Designer | DS Design Co-Founder

After completing his undergraduate education at the Architecture Department of Istanbul Technical University, Deniz Aslan continued his academic journey in the Landscape Architecture Master’s Program at Yildiz Technical University. In 2000, he completed his postgraduate education of Building Knowledge at Science Institute of Istanbul Technical University. In the year 1994, he founded DS together with Sevim Aslan. Beside his success in the fi eld of design, he also placed great importance on his academic career. Since the early 1990s, he has been teaching at Istanbul Technical University, sharing his own experiences to the students, and Deniz Aslan still continues his activities in the fi eld of academy. In his professional career, he has been known for his contributions to many remarkable projects such as Zorlu Center, Kanyon and Kadikoy Hasanpasa Gazhanesi, especially in his expertise in intersection of architecture and landscape architecture. His designs have been awarded for prestigious international and national awards such as the International Architecture Awards and National Architecture Awards and Exhibition. Moreover, his designs also have been published by many important international and national magazines.

“Mind's Nature”
(15:25 - 16:10)

Discussing the relationship between nature, culture and human within the concept of landscape in a healthy way.

Stefania ROMANO
Coordinator of Transformative Urban Nature Action at UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section Forests

With extensive experience in international environmental affairs across Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, the Gulf Countries, Brazil, and South Africa, I have worked with the Italian Ministry of the Environment and various international organizations. As Director of the Italian Trust Fund at the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe, I developed cross-country programs, secured resources, and established key partnerships. At ICLEI, I advocated for the global biodiversity agenda. Currently, as the Transformative Urban Nature Coordinator for UNECE, I am leveraging urban forestry actions, catalysing sustainable development, fostering resilient and sustainable cities.

“From concrete to canopy: UNECE's Urban Forestry Innovations”
(10:30 - 11:15)

In this keynote address she will convey the transformative power of urban forestry in enhancing the sustainability of our cities. The presentation will focus on their key initiatives: the Trees in Cities Challenge, the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition, the UN Petite Forest Network and Urban Food Trees. She will give an overview of how they have developed their initiatives responding to the emerging challenge to advance sustainable urban forestry, incorporating trees into urban planning, particularly in dry environments. To foster engagement and diverse perspectives, the session will include questions to the audience and a debate, where the audience will be engaged and invited to take sides on key statements related to urban forestry, promoting lively discussion and knowledge exchange among participants from various backgrounds.

Dr. Ahmet Cemil TEPE
Deputy Manager of Green Istanbul (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality - Department of Parks, Gardens and Green Areas)

Dr. TEPE has 18 years of public and private sector experience in landscape planning and design. He serves as an administrative and technical manager at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Department of Parks, Gardens, and Green Areas. He is responsible for the Istanbul Green Area Management Strategy Document, YAYSİS project, which focuses on Istanbul´s 2050 green area vision. Additionally, he manages the PLAY ISTANBUL brand, which focuses on tactical urbanism activities and gamifi cation of the city under the Istanbul Play Master Plan. Dr. TEPE is also the chairman of the national and international support funds commission, conducting various European Union projects within the aspect of ecological-based restoration, circular economy, clean green energy, and tactical urbanism studies. Beside all of these, he conducts research to enhance participatory efforts in support and volunteering in green space management. Dr. TEPE has academic studies on green space management systems, quality of life, and user satisfaction and holds a PhD in Urban Landscape Planning.

“The Opportunities in Istanbul and Urban Blue-Green Infrastructure Services to Create Sponge Cities”
(13:05 - 13:50)

Dr. Ahmet Cemil TEPE will identify opportunities in Istanbul based on YAYSİS data.

Asst. Prof. Dr. A. Oktan NALBANTOĞLU
Landscape Architect at Bilkent University - ON Design

Oktan Nalbantoğlu was born in 1963. He graduated from Ankara University, Department of Landscape Architecture in 1986. He completed his Master's and Doctorate programs at the same university in 1988 and 1997, respectively. Currently working at Bilkent University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, and conducting design studio and professional practice courses, Oktan Nalbantoğlu is the owner of ON Design Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and Architecture Ltd. Company.

“Nature-based solution proposals for landscapes that respond to climate change”
(17:15 - 18:00)