Turkish municipalities launch coastal clean‑ups and awareness events during Environment Week

Across Turkey, local governments organized a series of clean‑up and environmental‑awareness activities as part of the national Environment Week (5–11 June) and related observances such as World Environment Day and Marmara Sea Day.

In Dilovası (Kocaeli), the municipality coordinated a shoreline clean‑up on Tavşancıl Beach, focusing on the theme “Sea Water Temperature.” Mayor Ramazan Ömeroğlu emphasized that protecting the Marmara Sea is essential for the country’s future.

Mersin’s metropolitan municipality held multiple events, including a clean‑up of the Tarsus waterfalls and Berdan Dam recreation areas. Officials and volunteers stressed collective responsibility for a cleaner environment. The city also operates 15 reading rooms that provide free internet, refreshments and study spaces for students.

Bursa and Gemlik cooperated on a sea‑bed cleaning at Gemlik Pier, where volunteer divers removed debris and displayed the waste to the public. Bursa deputy mayor Kevser Öztürk and Gemlik officials highlighted the need to raise ecological awareness among youth.

In Antalya, the municipal government inaugurated a Climate‑Innovation Center and presented projects aimed at mitigating extreme heat and supporting the upcoming UN Climate Summit (COP 31).

Hatay’s water and sewer directorate organised a nature walk and litter‑collection hike in Samandağ, urging residents to view environmental protection as a shared duty.

Urla’s coastal team, together with volunteers, cleared tons of waste from the Demircili bay shoreline, with deputy mayor Prof. Dr. Mesut Önen calling the effort a step toward a more livable future.