We aimed to enhance the capacity of higher education institutions, youth, and local communities to address climate change and promote sustainable agriculture. It sought to raise awareness of the EU Green Deal, climate change, and smart livestock technologies among students, researchers, and local stakeholders, while strengthening technical and institutional capacity in agriculture. We also aimed to foster collaboration between universities, local agencies, and international partners to improve climate-resilient practices, and to empower youth and women through practical training and entrepreneurial skills. Ultimately, it supported local climate mitigation and adaptation by promoting evidence-based, technologically informed solutions, combining education, innovation, and community engagement to create lasting impacts on sustainable agriculture, climate action, and social empowerment. In short, the project sought to combine education, technology, and community engagement to create lasting impacts on sustainable agriculture, climate action, and social empowerment.
The GLISTEN project was initiated to address critical environmental, educational, and institutional needs in Türkiye related to climate change and sustainable agriculture. The main motivation was the lack of awareness, cooperation, and technical capacity in Turkish higher education institutions regarding the EU Green Deal, climate action, and smart livestock technologies. Despite Türkiye’s strong livestock sector, it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and universities lacked structured programs linking livestock production with environmental sustainability. GLISTEN aimed to bridge this gap by transferring European expertise, innovation, and best practices to Türkiye’s higher education system. It focused on raising awareness and building competencies among students and young researchers in smart livestock practices, sustainable production, and emission reduction aligned with EU climate policies. The project also strengthened green and digital capacities, promoted EU–Türkiye collaboration, and supported the development of a climate-conscious agricultural education framework, enhancing long-term sustainability and integration with European environmental goals.