Salata Scholar Seminar

Date: 

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Location: 

HUCE Seminar Room 440, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge

"Project of Hope: Indigenous Land Recovery & Ecological Restoration" with Leyla Uysal, Harvard GSD.

"Project of Hope: Indigenous Land Recovery & Ecological Restoration" with Leyla Uysal, Harvard GSD.

Open to Harvard students, postdocs, and researchers.

About the Seminar:
This seminar addresses the ecological and cultural revitalization in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, through the "Project of Hope." Focused on reestablishing the Kurdish community's bond with their ancestral lands, the initiative employs innovative agricultural and hydrological strategies to rejuvenate Zoncik village. The discussion will cover soil recovery, water management, and traditional agricultural revival, aiming to enhance local productivity, economic growth, and address dam and water diversion impacts. The seminar highlights the importance of merging indigenous practices with modern sustainability efforts for community resilience and well-being.

About Our Speaker:
Leyla Uysal is a distinguished member of the Harvard Graduate School of Design's Master in Design Studies program, with a concentration on Climate Change. With a rich background in Urban and Regional Planning from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and a profound commitment to environmental sustainability, Leyla is dedicated to preparing urban environments for the challenges of global warming. Beyond academia, Leyla is an entrepreneur, fashion designer, and activist, deeply invested in promoting Kurdish culture and supporting women and children within Kurdish communities globally. As a devoted mother, martial artist, and emerging musician, Leyla's diverse interests and talents reflect her multifaceted approach to life and her passion for making a positive impact on the world.

Join Us:
Join this seminar for insights into sustainable development, resilience, and cultural heritage through ecological restoration. It's an opportunity for those interested in community empowerment and sustainable practices to learn about innovative strategies for creating a resilient future. We invite participants to engage in this vital conversation, aiming to inspire collaborative efforts toward sustainable and equitable community development.