22.07.2026 17:50
The "Leave a Mark on the Future – Plastic-Free July Meeting," organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation, Antalya Governorship, and Antalya Blue Mediterranean Initiative, was held at Phaselis South Harbor to draw attention to the protection of marine ecosystems and raise awareness against plastic waste pollution in the seas.
The Zero Waste Movement, under the auspices of its founder, H.E. Emine Erdoğan, President of the United Nations Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, has grown into a global environmental movement that continues to raise awareness about protecting natural assets and combating plastic pollution. In line with this approach, the "Leave a Mark on the Future – Plastic-Free July Meeting," organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation, Antalya Governorship, and the Antalya Blue Mediterranean Initiative, was held at Phaselis South Harbor to draw attention to the protection of marine ecosystems and to promote social awareness against plastic waste pollution in the seas.
Marine Studies Examined On-Site
During the program organized as part of the Plastic Free July movement, celebrated globally every year, the marine cleanup efforts carried out at Phaselis South Harbor were examined on-site.
Waste extracted from the sea by divers was shared with the public, and information was provided about the use of waste traps and barrier systems to prevent the spread of waste in the seas. The program was attended by Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin, his wife Ebru Şahin, and Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and High-Level Climate Champion for COP31.
“We Are Launching a New Mobilization Against Plastic Pollution in Antalya”
Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and High-Level Climate Champion for COP31, stated that combating plastic pollution is one of the priority topics as Türkiye prepares to host COP31, and noted that important decisions were made to reduce plastic use at the Zero Waste Forum held in Istanbul. Ağırbaş stated that 183 countries have signed the declaration published after the forum.
Ağırbaş emphasized that the event in Antalya was not merely a marine cleanup activity, saying, "As the Zero Waste Foundation, we continue to contribute to Türkiye's work in the fields of environment, zero waste, and climate under the auspices of H.E. Emine Erdoğan. In the coming period, we will organize a comprehensive meeting focusing on plastic pollution with the participation of the Antalya Governorship and relevant public institutions."
“We Will Release a Report Revealing the Plastic Problem of Türkiye and the World”
Announcing that a comprehensive plastic report will be shared with the public by the Zero Waste Foundation next month, Ağırbaş stated that the report will include striking scientific data. Drawing attention to the effects of microplastics on human health, Ağırbaş said, "Microplastics are now even found in the blood of unborn children. Today, everyone is unknowingly exposed to approximately 5 grams of microplastics per week. This situation threatens both human health and the national economy."
Reminding that more than 8 million tons of plastic end up in the seas every year, Ağırbaş emphasized the need for new steps on a global scale in the fight against plastic pollution and stated, "Under the leadership of our Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and COP31 President, H.E. Murat Kurum, we will launch new international campaigns to reduce plastic."
Working Group for Plastic Waste
Regarding the import of waste, a topic recently debated in public, Ağırbaş announced that they have established a special working group within the Zero Waste Foundation on this issue.
Stating, "In the coming period, we will see decisions that will ease the conscience of our nation," Ağırbaş noted that the Zero Waste Movement began in 2017 under the leadership of H.E. Emine Erdoğan and has turned into a global movement resonating in 193 countries, and invited all citizens to support this struggle.
“Plastic Pollution Now Threatens Our Tourism as Well”
Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin stated that the increasing plastic waste on the Mediterranean coasts in recent times has become a serious environmental problem, negatively affecting not only the environment but also Antalya's tourism.
Reminding that they launched the "Antalya Blue Mediterranean Initiative" at the beginning of the year with the responsibility of hosting COP31, Şahin expressed that the intense plastic waste reaching the shores in recent weeks has demonstrated how necessary this effort is.
Source of Pollution Under Investigation
Stating that comprehensive investigations are being carried out to determine the source of plastic waste, Şahin said initial findings indicate that the pollution does not originate solely from Antalya.
Şahin said, "In initial examinations, we encounter waste from some cities on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, as well as plastics that have drifted from foreign countries. Plastics with Arabic inscriptions have been identified. This shows that pollution in the Mediterranean knows no borders."
Barriers to Be Installed at 29 River Mouths
Announcing that a barrier system will be installed at 29 river mouths in Antalya to prevent pollution at its source, Şahin stated that this work will be carried out in collaboration with the Metropolitan Municipality, sponsors, and supporting organizations.
Noting that initial applications have begun in some streams, Şahin also stated that protective barrier systems will be deployed on beaches where plastic waste accumulates heavily.
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Marine Sweepers and Waste Collection Systems to Be Increased
Governor Şahin stated that the number of marine sweepers and waste collection systems used to collect waste from the sea surface will also be increased, and municipalities, marinas, fishing shelters, and the maritime sector will support this effort.
Emphasizing, "We are determined to preserve our title as the city with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world," Şahin stressed that plastic pollution cannot be solved with local measures alone, and that international regulations and global cooperation are also necessary.
Şahin stated that they will continue to work with the Zero Waste Foundation during this process, adding that they have launched a comprehensive fight against plastic pollution in Antalya.
Environmental Awareness Must Be Strengthened Across All Segments of Society
At the event, it was noted that a large portion of the waste removed from the seas consists of single-use plastic products, and attention was drawn to the importance of changing individual consumption habits and strengthening environmental awareness across all segments of society.