JICA Final Report on Implementation of the Build Back Better Plan in Kahramanmaraş Demonstrates Turning Strategy into Action

In the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye and Syria in February 2023, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) partnered with the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality to support the development of a comprehensive reconstruction strategy. This collaboration led to the formulation of the “Build Back Better Plan”, a forward-looking reconstruction framework aimed at guiding Kahramanmaraş’s sustainable and resilient redevelopment.

The plan was publicly introduced in February 2024, and over the following year, JICA provided technical assistance to support its implementation and integration into local and national planning systems with key stakeholders such as Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT).

Now, the Final Report has been completed and released to the public. The report documents the planning process, technical methodologies, and strategic recommendations that shaped the Build Back Better Plan. It also highlights lessons learned and offers a replicable model for post-disaster urban recovery in Türkiye and other disaster-prone regions.

This initiative stands as a pioneering example of international cooperation in urban resilience and recovery, demonstrating how strategic planning and stakeholder engagement can contribute to long-term, sustainable development after a disaster.

JICA remains committed to supporting Türkiye’s efforts in building resilient communities and looks forward to continued collaboration with local and national partners in advancing sustainable urban development.