Zero Waste Blue Initiative clears 245,000 tons of marine litter in 5 years in Türkiye
Divers collecting waste, Türkiye, Jan.18, 2025. (AA Photo)
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has announced that 245,000 tons of marine litter have been removed from Türkiye’s seas over the past five years as part of the Zero Waste Blue Initiative.
The “First 5-Year Provincial Action Plans” of the initiative, which was launched on June 10, 2019, under the patronage of First Lady Emine Erdogan, have now been completed. The ambitious project aims to combat marine pollution and safeguard aquatic ecosystems.
20,500 truckloads of waste removed from seas
According to the ministry, the collected waste equates to filling 20,500 trucks. The cleanup targeted litter across coastal areas, the sea surface and the seabed.
Localized measures were implemented to prevent waste at its source, ensuring a long-term impact. Efforts to raise awareness and educate the public on marine conservation have also been expanded nationwide.
These initiatives emphasize the importance of reducing waste before it reaches water bodies, thereby protecting marine biodiversity.
Zero Waste Blue Initiative’s new phase begins in 2025
In 2024 alone, 25,480 tons of marine litter were collected, further demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
With the “Second Five-Year Provincial Action Plans” now in place as of 2025, the fight against marine pollution will become even more comprehensive, focusing on sustainable waste management and enhanced marine protection measures.
As Türkiye continues its commitment to cleaner seas, the Zero Waste Blue Initiative stands as a model for marine conservation efforts worldwide.
