"WE CANNOT SAY 'WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO US' ABOUT EVERYTHING HAPPENING IN THE WORLD"

Speaking at the opening of ÇEVREFEST, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Mehmet Özhaseki emphasized Turkey's determination to protect the environment and fight climate change. Minister Özhaseki stated, "We cannot say 'what does it matter to us' about everything happening in the world. An environmental waste in the Monsoon Asia, the water wasted on the Pacific coasts, or a carbon-emitting environment in North Africa that pollutes the atmosphere are not independent of each other, and our common home, the Earth, continues to be polluted."

Pointing out that the countries that pollute the environment the most today are the most powerful ones, Minister Özhaseki said, "Although our country has no serious responsibility in this regard, we strive not to pollute the environment, thinking that it is entrusted to us, while also ensuring our development. Our main goal is to ensure our development without ever polluting the environment."

"THE ZERO WASTE MOVEMENT HAS BECOME A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR ALL OF US"

Minister Özhaseki referred to the Zero Waste movement, initiated under the patronage of First Lady Emine Erdoğan, and stated, "Zero Waste has become an important brand established by Turkey and a source of pride for all of us. We have achieved an economic gain of 185 billion TL. We saved 498 million trees and conserved 127 million barrels of oil."

"THE ENVIRONMENT WILL BE THE GREATEST LEGACY WE LEAVE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS"

Minister Özhaseki emphasized that the environment is humanity's common heritage, saying, "Time is entrusted to us. Space, objects, and life are entrusted to us. The environment is also entrusted to us. We cannot pollute this environment. This environment will be the greatest legacy we leave to future generations."

“I WILL ANNOUNCE IMPORTANT PROJECTS FITTING FOR THE CENTURY OF TURKEY”

During the event, Minister Özhaseki stated that next week he will announce environmental projects worthy of Turkey’s Century, saying: “The first project is 'Seas Belong to the People,' which will eliminate any barriers preventing the public from accessing the seas. The second is the Mapa Buoy System, which will make Turkey’s coasts fit for the Century of Turkey. Finally, we will implement the Deposit Management System in Turkey.”

ÇEVREFEST WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JUNE 9

The event, which was also attended by former UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif, will continue until June 9. The event features play areas aimed at raising environmental awareness among children, booths promoting zero waste and clean production technologies, exhibitions, talks, and hands-on workshops.