Türkiye's Zero Waste Vision Expands with Marine Conservation Drive

ISTANBUL, August 11, 2026 — Türkiye is seeking to turn more than a decade of marine restoration work off Istanbul into a model for protecting ecosystems across the country, bringing its Zero Waste vision together with science-based conservation ahead of the COP31 climate summit.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and Zero Waste Foundation President and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion Samed Ağırbaş visited Tavşan Island to examine marine conservation, restoration and monitoring efforts hosted by the Marine Life Conservation Society (DYKD).

From Tavşan Island to Antalya

The visit focused on the scientific and integrated conservation model developed around Tavşan Island over the years and plans to replicate the approach at Üç Adalar off the Mediterranean province of Antalya.

Officials also discussed showcasing Türkiye's field experience to the international community during the COP31 process.

Türkiye's Zero Waste initiative, launched under the leadership of first lady Emine Erdoğan, founder of the Zero Waste Movement, chair of the U.N. Secretary-General's Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste and honorary president of the Zero Waste Foundation, has increasingly expanded its focus from waste management toward broader sustainability and ecosystem protection.

Gül and Ağırbaş, accompanied by DYKD Chair Volkan Narcı, examined scientific research, active restoration and technology-supported monitoring activities carried out around Tavşan Island.

DYKD has been conducting conservation work in the area since 2015, combining scientific research, active ecological restoration, efforts to remove abandoned "ghost" fishing nets, ranger patrols, citizen science and technology-assisted monitoring.

The program also highlighted a purple gorgonian coral (Paramuricea clavata) population reinforcement project launched in 2026.

🌿 "Nature Renews Itself When Human Pressure Disappears"

Gül said human activity was perhaps the primary source of environmental pollution and stressed the ability of ecosystems to recover when such pressures are removed.

"When human pressure disappears and pollution stops, nature somehow renews itself," Gül said, pointing to Tavşan Island as an example.

He said stopping pollution and environmental degradation, followed by systematically cleaning previously contaminated areas, could allow damaged ecosystems to recover over time.

Gül also highlighted the importance of cooperation between public institutions and civil society, saying nongovernmental organizations play a crucial role in building a culture of environmental responsibility alongside government-led efforts.

🌊 A Long-Term Marine Conservation Model

The Tavşan Island model goes beyond granting an area protected status, combining scientific research, threat identification, active restoration, institutional and community cooperation, legal protection, continuous monitoring and long-term management.

The roughly 7.76-square-kilometer area surrounding Tavşan Island was designated a "Strictly Protected Sensitive Area" in 2021, but restoration, monitoring and management activities have continued after the designation.

More than 700 gorgonian coral colonies have been transplanted or restored around Tavşan Island and nearby Sivriada, with long-term monitoring of yellow gorgonians showing a survival rate of around 80%.

♻️ Removing Ghost Nets from the Seabed

The conservation initiative also targets abandoned fishing gear.

More than 650,000 square meters of ghost nets and over 3 tons of lead have been removed from the seabed, with some of the recovered material recycled into agricultural coverings, bags and raw materials.

🌱 Expanding Conservation Efforts in Antalya

The Tavşan Island experience is now set to serve as a basis for conservation work around Üç Adalar, Tekirova and Çıralı in Antalya's Kemer district.

The work will include:

• ecosystem inventories;
• habitat mapping;
• biodiversity monitoring;
• assessments of human pressures.

The initiative is expected to involve public institutions, local authorities, universities, fishermen, diving centers, tourism businesses and local communities.

🌍 Türkiye's Marine Conservation Goals Ahead of COP31

Officials said the model could ultimately provide Türkiye with a measurable and replicable approach to marine conservation while supporting its biodiversity, climate adaptation and nature-based solutions goals ahead of COP31.