Turkey addresses rising plastic and microplastic pollution in Mediterranean waters

Concerns regarding rising plastic and microplastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea have been raised by political figures and environmental stakeholders in Turkey. YENİ Party Istanbul Deputy Ali Gökçek submitted a parliamentary inquiry to the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, seeking information on plastic waste imports and the inspection of recycling facilities. Gökçek warned that the Mediterranean coasts, particularly in Antalya, Alanya, and Mersin, are facing severe pollution that threatens the marine ecosystem, fishing, and tourism sectors. He stated, “Turkey is not Europe’s garbage dump,” highlighting the impact of imported plastic waste from Europe.

In response to these environmental pressures, a plastic waste workshop was held in Marmaris, Muğla, under the auspices of the Muğla Governor's Office and coordinated by the Sıfır Atık Foundation. The meeting focused on developing a roadmap for plastic waste management, emphasizing the prevention of waste at its source and the strengthening of recycling systems. Participants discussed the transition to a circular economy to mitigate the pressure on coastal areas during the tourism season. Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Sıfır Atık Foundation, noted that plastics breaking down into microplastics pose a significant threat to both human health and the tourism industry.