12.07.2026 14:50
"Leave a Mark for the Future – Forest Gathering", organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Governorship and the Zero Waste Foundation, was held with broad participation at the Belgrade Forest Neşet Suyu Nature Park Recreation Area. Representatives of public institutions, non-governmental organizations, volunteers, media members, and citizens came together at the event, where strong messages were delivered regarding the protection of the environment, the promotion of the Zero Waste Movement, and the preservation of forests for future generations.
The environmental mobilization growing under the leadership of Ms. Emine Erdoğan, founder of the Zero Waste Movement, Chair of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, and Honorary Chair of the Zero Waste Foundation, continued with a new event bringing all segments of society together with nature.
The 'Leave a Mark on the Future – Forest Gathering', organized in collaboration with the Istanbul Governorship and the Zero Waste Foundation, was held to strengthen environmental awareness, spread the Zero Waste Movement, protect forests, and leave a more livable environment for future generations. The program was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Zero Waste Foundation President and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion Samed Ağırbaş, Sarıyer District Governor Metin Maytalman, Head of the Muhtars Department of the General Directorate of Provincial Administration of the Ministry of Interior Suna Üstüner, neighborhood headmen from the Sarıyer and Kağıthane districts, NGO representatives, volunteers, press members, social media content creators, and many citizens. In the protocol speeches following the nature walk, the importance of the Zero Waste Movement in protecting natural resources, spreading environmentally friendly living habits, and the critical role of individual responsibility in environmental sustainability were emphasized.
"ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES WITH THE ISTANBUL GOVERNORSHIP WILL CONTINUE" Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, stated that environmental activities carried out with the Istanbul Governorship will continue, and expressed that after the Istanbul Zero Waste Festival and Zero Waste Forum under the auspices of Ms. Emine Erdoğan, they came together with citizens this time within the scope of the 'Leave a Mark on the Future – Forest Gathering'.
Ağırbaş emphasized that protecting natural areas is a shared responsibility, saying, "We protect the green and blue of our Istanbul. These natural beauties belong to all of us. If we want to leave them to future generations, we must keep them clean. We will continue to meet with our fellow citizens in all 39 districts of Istanbul and carry on our environment and nature-focused work." Ağırbaş also highlighted the support of the Istanbul Governorship for environmental work, stating, "Whenever we want to organize a program about our city, our environment, and our nature, our Governor leads us. I also convey the greetings of Ms. Emine Erdoğan. With the support of our Governorship, I believe we will achieve great things together."
"SPREADING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IS A FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE ZERO WASTE APPROACH" Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that the Zero Waste understanding is not limited to household waste but also includes the protection of natural resources, saying, "The main logic of Zero Waste is not to waste. This should not be considered only in terms of products in our kitchen or items we use. Natural resources are the same. If we waste them, if we cannot protect our environment, our children will not be able to see the forests we walk in today in the future." Emphasizing that protecting forests and spreading environmental awareness are fundamental elements of the Zero Waste approach, Gül said, "The regular use of forests, their protection, and the afforestation of new areas are works that complement each other and serve the Zero Waste understanding. Under the auspices of the esteemed Emine Erdoğan and led by our Zero Waste Foundation, the work carried out this year made Istanbul the capital of Zero Waste. Hopefully, these activities will not be limited to a specific week; we will continue to be with you throughout the year."
PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCED ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY LIVING HABITS HANDS-ON Within the scope of the event, environment-themed activities for children, zero waste awareness practices, and distribution of environment-themed equipment were carried out. Through the organized activities, participants had the opportunity to experience environmentally friendly living habits hands-on. One of the most notable parts of the program was the nature walk held in the natural texture of Belgrade Forest. While participants spent time in nature during the walk, attention was drawn to the importance of protecting biodiversity, keeping forests clean, and passing on natural habitats to future generations. Protection of the Environment is the Common Responsibility of All Segments
Through the awareness activities carried out during the organization, the message that protecting the environment is not only the responsibility of public institutions but also the common responsibility of all segments of society came to the forefront. In the event, which saw wide participation from children to families, volunteers to public representatives, the importance of making the Zero Waste Movement an integral part of daily life was emphasized. The 'Leave a Mark on the Future – Forest Gathering' was completed as an exemplary social responsibility organization that strengthens love for nature, increases environmental awareness, and supports sustainable living culture. In the common message given at the end of the program, it was emphasized that protecting nature is protecting the future, and that every conscious step taken for the environment today is the most valuable heritage to leave for future generations.