Welcome

Welcome Message From ITU Rector

Dear participants,

It is my privilege to welcome you to the 5th World Congress of Environmental and Resource Economists to be held in Istanbul between June 28 and July 2, 2014.

Istanbul Technical University (ITU), with 240 years of prominent history, a contemporary education environment and impressive academicians, has been distinguished in Turkey with its education quality and institutional effectiveness. It is an active university, equipped with a wide range of facilities and services, including advanced information and communication technology systems. ITU covers thirteen faculties and six research-institutes and provides comprehensive education in 39 undergraduate degree, 145 Masters and Ph.D. degree programs. The number of full time students attending the university exceeds 30.000, enjoying the campus life at the heart of Istanbul's business, cultural and leisure centers.

With our distinct focus on sustainability in research and development, ITU has the mission to tackle with the challenges of our age by developing innovative solutions in cooperation with global partners. Therefore, we wholeheartedly appreciate the significance of 5th World Congress of Environmental and Resource Economists and frankly believe that hosting the Congress will provide a window of opportunity to merge our horizons and stimulate academic contributions at a very global settlement.

On behalf of ITU, I am very pleased to welcome you the 5th World Congress of Environmental and Resource Economists.

I look forward to seeing you in Istanbul.

Best Regards,

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karaca
ITU Rector

Welcome Message

Dear Friends,

It is certainly with enthusiasm and great joy that I welcome you to the 5^th WCERE (World Congress of Environmental and Resource Economics) and the great city of Istanbul.

WCERE is the most remarkable forum for environment and resource economists around the world. During the Congress, we will have many opportunities to network and learn from some of the brightest leaders in the field of environmental and resource economics. Participants, presenters and the followers of the events are sure to have an unforgettable experience and the knowledge gained will be a tremendous asset.

The 5^th WCERE will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from June 28 to July 2, 2014. After Venice (1998), Monterey (2002), Kyoto (2006), and Montréal (2010), the profession will convene in this unique World Heritage city that straddles Europe and Asia. Over 1100 economists from more than 40 countries attended the last World Congress in Montreal - and an equal if not greater number is anticipated at Istanbul next year. Confirmed keynote speakers include Professors Robert H. Frank (Cornell), Eswaran Somanathan (Indian Statistical Institute), and Matthew Kahn (UCLA Institute of the Environment).

Hosted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU), one of Turkey's most distinguished universities, WCERE 2014 is jointly organized by the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE) and the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE), in cooperation with the East Asian Association of Environmental and Resource Economics (EAAERE).

There are not enough words to describe Istanbul. Hence, while visiting, I encourage you to explore Istanbul and all that she has to offer. It is the only city in the world, which spreads over two continents, Asia and Europe, with a narrow strait as bridging the cultures through it

On behalf of ITU, I would like to wish you the best on a successful Congress. We are happy to have you in Turkey.