Ecological and industrial symbiosis from the perspective of Azerbaijan and Turkey: Green cities of the future

The world ecosystem is facing environmental problems brought about by increasing population, urbanization and industrialization. These problems are important issues that need to be solved at local, regional, national and global scales. Azerbaijan and Turkey are among the countries affected by these problems. This study aims to examine how ecological and industrial symbiosis practices in Azerbaijan and Turkey can play a role for future green cities. Within the scope of the study, the current situation and potential of both countries in terms of industrial and ecological symbiosis were analyzed and how this potential can be utilized in the construction of green cities was investigated. In the study, the definition, historical development, basic principles and functioning of ecological and industrial symbiosis concepts were discussed and the implementation status of these concepts in Azerbaijan and Turkey was analyzed. In this context, the potential of ecological and industrial symbiosis for green cities has been identified by taking into account the policies, initiatives and practices of both countries on this issue. Different ecological and industrial symbiosis practices from both countries in the planning, design and operation of green cities were selected, analyzed and evaluated. The results show that ecological and industrial symbiosis practices can have a critical role for future green cities in Azerbaijan and Turkey