Türkiye's zero waste vision expands with marine conservation drive

Türkiye’s Zero Waste vision continues to evolve, expanding its scope beyond urban waste reduction to include large-scale marine conservation efforts aimed at restoring critical ecosystems. This shift marks a strategic alignment between national sustainability goals and global climate action, particularly as the nation prepares to host the COP31 climate summit. A recent high-level inspection of ongoing marine conservation projects near Istanbul highlights how these initiatives are being designed to serve as replicable models for other regions within the country. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and Samed Ağırbaş, president of the Zero Waste Foundation and a COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, visited Tavşan Island to assess the island’s long-standing marine conservation efforts led by the Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD). Their visit underscored the potential for scaling up successful local strategies to address broader environmental challenges. The pair toured the site alongside DYKD Chair Volkan Narcı, examining the integration of scientific research, active ecological restoration, and advanced monitoring technologies used to protect the region’s marine life. The conservation work on Tavşan Island began in 2015, focusing on removing abandoned fishing gear, known as “ghost” nets, and rehabilitating degraded habitats. Over the years, the initiative has incorporated citizen science programs, ranger patrols, and technological tools to track changes in marine environments. One notable component of the effort is the reinforcement of purple gorgonian coral populations, a project initiated in 2026. These corals, which play a vital role in marine biodiversity, have shown promising recovery rates following targeted interventions. Gül emphasized the transformative power of reducing human impact on ecosystems, stating that when pollution and environmental degradation are mitigated, nature possesses a remarkable capacity to heal. He noted that systematic cleanup efforts, combined with the cessation of harmful practices, can enable previously damaged ecosystems to regenerate over time. His remarks reflected a growing recognition among officials that sustainable outcomes require both governmental leadership and collaborative engagement with civil society. The Tavşan Island model integrates multiple dimensions of conservation, including strict legal protections, community involvement, and continuous monitoring. Designated a “Strictly Protected Sensitive Area” in 2021, the region has remained a focal point for restoration and oversight despite the formal designation. More than 700 gorgonian coral colonies have been transplanted or restored around the island and adjacent Sivriada, with long-term monitoring indicating an 80% survival rate among yellow gorgonians. These figures illustrate the effectiveness of sustained conservation efforts. In addition to coral restoration, the initiative has made significant strides in addressing the issue of abandoned fishing gear. Over 650,000 square meters of ghost nets and nearly three tons of lead have been retrieved from the seabed. Some of this recovered material has been repurposed into agricultural coverings, reusable bags, and raw materials, demonstrating a commitment to circular economy principles even in marine conservation contexts. Looking ahead, the success of the Tavşan Island model is expected to inform similar conservation strategies in other coastal areas, including Üç Adalar, Tekirova, and Çıralı in Antalya’s Kemer district. These new projects will incorporate ecosystem inventory assessments, habitat mapping, biodiversity tracking, and evaluations of human pressures on marine environments. Collaboration will involve public institutions, local governments, academic researchers, fishermen, diving centers, and tourism operators, ensuring that conservation efforts remain inclusive and adaptive to regional needs. As Türkiye moves forward with its Zero Waste agenda, the lessons learned from Tavşan Island will likely shape future policies and international engagements, especially during COP31. The nation aims to position itself as a leader in integrating scientific innovation with grassroots activism to achieve lasting environmental change.