Turkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has successfully completed the first five-year provincial action plan under the ‘Zero Waste Blue’ initiative.
Over this period, 245,000 tons of marine waste were collected, enough to fill approximately 20,500 trucks.
Launched on June 10, 2019, under the leadership of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, the project aimed to implement localized strategies to tackle marine pollution.
Cleanup efforts, guided by the ministry, focused on 28 coastal provinces, with special attention to beaches, ocean surfaces, and seabeds.
In 2024 alone, 25,480 tons of waste were removed, including harmful pollutants like plastic bags, bottles, fishing nets, single-use plastics, and cigarette butts.
These were disposed of using environmentally friendly methods, ensuring minimal impact on the ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2025, a second five-year provincial action plan is set to be launched, with a focus on taking more effective measures against marine pollution.
This plan aims to mitigate the harmful effects of marine debris on ecosystems and promote sustainable practices in Turkiye’s coastal areas.
The broader Zero Waste initiative has successfully raised public awareness about recycling and encouraged thousands of buildings, residential areas, and companies to adopt waste recycling policies.
This has significantly reduced plastic waste and helped keep the seas cleaner.
Initially launched in 2017 at the Beştepe Presidential Complex, the initiative expanded to government ministries, municipalities, private companies, schools, and hospitals.
It promotes efficient resource utilization and reduces waste generation at every level.
Turkiye’s ‘Zero Waste Blue’ initiative has not only reduced marine pollution but has also played a crucial role in fostering public awareness and promoting a sustainable way of living.
