By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke on World Environment Day, June 5, underscoring his country’s longstanding commitment to a sustainable environment while touting Turkiye’s ongoing green projects and initiatives. Erdogan was particularly keen on the importance of waste management, adopting climate-friendly technology and optimizing energy resources. His wife, first lady Emine Erdogan was instrumental in bringing her Zero Waste Initiative before the U.N. where it was adopted as a resolution, two years ago on March 30, which is now known as the International Day of Zero Waste. As the Turkish president commented: “The Zero Waste Movement has become a global environmental movement and an economic cycle model. Important steps have also been taken to protect our underground and surface water resources as drought becomes an increasingly significant threat. The number of flood protection facilities and wastewater treatment plants has been significantly increased to protect against recent flooding incidents and to ensure safe drinking water facilities. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing for the construction of underground dams.”
Meanwhile, the Turkish leader also emphasized global environmental challenges such as global warming, desertification and the rapid decline in biodiversity worldwide. Erdogan made it clear that Turkiye is dedicated to working in tandem with the international community to reaffirm the country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility. As Erdogan said: “We are rapidly continuing important efforts nationwide for a greener, cleaner Türkiye, including waste management, climate-friendly technology, energy resource utilization, improvement of air, water, and soil quality, afforestation campaigns, and planned urbanization.” He concluded by highlighting that a greener planet is achieveable when global environmental issues get resolved and that this is an issue for all of humanity, requiring intense international cooperation.
