Zero Waste
The theme for 2023's Turkey Environment Week was "Clean Sea, Clean World."
During the Environment Week, celebrated from June 5 to 9 this year and encompassing World Environment Day on June 5, emphasis was placed on pollution in the seas and the protection of coastal areas.Additionally, the United Nations designated this year's theme for World Environment Day on June 5 as "Solutions to Plastic Pollution" with the hashtag “#BeatPlasticPollution,” drawing attention to the fight against plastic pollution on the first day of Environment Week.
As part of the Turkey Environment Week events that began on June 5, the importance of preventing sea pollution and protecting coastal areas was conveyed to everyone from ages 7 to 70 in 81 provinces.
Under the directive sent by our ministry to all 81 provinces, the Environment Week from June 5 to 9 highlighted the protection of seas and the natural environment, the relationship between seas and climate change, the environmental aspects of the connection between coastal areas and land, and the measures to protect against pollution.
In honor of earthquake victims, a memorial wreath was laid.
On June 5, in coastal provinces, as well as in non-coastal provinces at suitable water surfaces, city administrators and all citizens participated in laying a memorial wreath for all citizens affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquake, marking the beginning of the Environment Week events.
Events within the framework of Turkey Environment Week were held in areas interacting with water, such as coastal regions of seas, lakes, and rivers. Under the theme of Clean Sea and Clean World, water sports activities were organized, including swimming, synchronized swimming, canoeing, rowing team competitions, and diving.
Diving teams removed waste from the seas, and these materials were exhibited to raise awareness of environmental pollution, seek solutions to prevent contamination, and protect living spaces.
Emine Erdoğan celebrated World Environment Day.
Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, made a post on her social media account in honor of June 5th, World Environment Day. In her message regarding World Environment Day and Turkey Environment Week, she emphasized the Zero Waste initiative, stating, "I truly believe that every life changed by love for nature will be a vital part of the solution."
Emine Erdoğan's message for World Environment Day and Turkey Environment Week is as follows:
"Water, soil, air, and all living beings have a single message for humanity: Do not consume or destroy nature; preserve it!
Above all, we must recognize that to live, we need to nurture life. We must re-establish a balanced, measured, and harmonious relationship with nature, our source of healing.
From where we stand, we still have the opportunity to leave a livable world for future generations by expanding the transformation initiated by the #ZeroWaste and Zero Waste Blue movements.
Let us act with the awareness that we could be the last generation capable of reversing climate change, which will not spare any country or person.
I truly believe that every life changed by love for nature will be a vital part of the solution.
On this occasion, I congratulate everyone on June 5th, #WorldEnvironmentDay, and this year’s #EnvironmentWeek, which we celebrate for the second time."
Minister Mehmet ÖZHASEKİ also celebrated World Environment Day.
Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Mehmet Özhaseki published a message on the occasion of June 5th, World Environment Day. His message is as follows:
"Today, the world is unfortunately facing the severe impacts of climate change. We need to put an end to this as humanity.
Under the leadership of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan, we consider transforming Zero Waste into a lifestyle, increasing green spaces in our cities through our national parks, and protecting our natural areas and water resources as our primary responsibility.
Our aim is to achieve the net zero emissions and green development goal set forth by our President for 2053. Together, 85 million of us will reach this goal.
I celebrate World Environment Day with hopes for a greener and cleaner world."
In Adıyaman, the “9 Million Seedlings Meet the Soil” event was held.
As part of Turkey Environment Week, a simultaneous collective opening ceremony was held for national parks completed in 9 cities during the “9 Million Seedlings Meet the Soil” event. Minister Mehmet Özhaseki participated in the ceremony while conducting a series of programs and inspections in Adıyaman. He expressed that the number of national parks that breathe life into Turkey is increasing day by day. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated in the program via live video conference.