The Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, as the principal organizer of the initiative, together with the Zero Waste Foundation, launched the "BlueAware" global awareness campaign during Climate Week NYC 2025. Hosted under the honorary leadership of H.E. Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, the campaign calls on the international community to protect the world’s seas and oceans from escalating pollution and environmental degradation. The Zero Waste Foundationwas established in 2023 under the auspices of H.E. Mrs. Emine Erdoğan. The purpose of the foundation is to disseminate the Zero Waste Project and ensure its sustainability.
The BlueAware campaign launch event was unveiled at the “Drop by Drop”exhibition at historic Guastavino’s in New York City. The event reflects Türkiye’s ongoing environmental diplomacy, combining art, climate science, and policy to highlight the urgency of safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, underlined the urgency of protecting marine life and combating plastic pollution: “Our blue is fading, growing more polluted each day. Protecting our seas and oceans means protecting life itself. Every drop of water is a promise for our breath and our future.”
He added, “Through BlueAware, we aim to secure one million digital pledges and foster partnerships across more than 30 countries. This is a call for global unity, because pollution knows no borders. From the shores of Lake Van and Lake Salda to the depths of the Izmit Gulf, Türkiye’s Zero Waste Blue projects have proven that restoration is possible when determination meets collaboration."
He mentioned that the Zero Waste initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, has been formally recognized by the United Nations and gained significant global momentum. The BlueAware campaign expands this vision with a marine-focused call to action: “Are You Blue Aware?” The program underscores that protecting the blue oceans, seas, and freshwater ecosystems is inseparable from ensuring a sustainable future for humanity.
H.E. Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change emphasized in his opening remarks that the campaign represents not only Türkiye’s national responsibility but also a universal mission: “Every effort to protect the blue is a gift to future generations. This is not only about Türkiye’s waters but about humanity’s shared destiny.”
Following the Minister’s remarks, Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing initiatives: “Our actions today shape the health of our oceans tomorrow. By embracing zero waste in our daily lives, each of us can make a difference.”He also emphasized Türkiye’s continued support for the Zero Waste Commitment, encouraging individuals and institutions worldwide to contribute to the pledge and integrate zero waste principles into their daily lives.
In addition, Samed Ağırbaş announced the upcoming Zero Waste Forum, which will take place in İstanbul during October 17 to 19, bringing together stakeholders to share experiences and advance the zero waste movement.
Are You Blue Aware? Protect What Connects Us
The BlueAware campaign introduces a new global platform, blueaware.org, inviting individuals, institutions, and governments to sign the “Pledge to the Blue” declaration. Backed by UNEP and UN-Habitat, the campaign seeks to amplify awareness through youth engagement, digital outreach, and artistic interventions. Key campaign outcomes and targets include:
- Over 30 partner countries and institutional endorsements,
- Community-driven initiatives empowering youth and civil society,
- Enhanced visibility ahead of the 2026 UN Ocean Conference.
H.E. Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, highlighted the campaign’s sobering facts: “Over 150 million tons of plastic already in oceans, 70% of sharks and rays lost in 50 years, and over one million seabirds and marine animals dying every year.”
The Zero Waste Blue Exhibition
The Zero Waste Blue Exhibition transformed Guastavino’s into a multi-dimensional space for environmental storytelling.
- Conservation achievements in Lake Van, Lake Salda, Lake Meke, and Lake Beyşehir, as well as the Izmit Gulf Clean-Up, were presented.
- The Turkish Environmental Agency (TÜÇA) showcased innovative mooring buoy projects and coastal protection initiatives.
- The Zero Waste Foundation introduced the “Drop by Drop” installation, inviting visitors to experience the fragility of marine ecosystems.
The exhibition also featured the announcement of the upcoming International Zero Waste Forum (17–19 October 2025, Istanbul), further extending Türkiye’s leadership in global sustainability dialogue.
The New York launch is poised to strengthen Türkiye’s global standing in environmental policy, elevate the Zero Waste Blue brand on the international stage, and act as a catalyst for new partnerships during Climate Week NYC 2025. With the participation of global thought leaders, academics, and representatives from civil society, the panel sessions transformed the exhibition into a genuine forum for dialogue on marine protection.
“Blue is life. Waste is not. Today, we renew our collective responsibility. Are you Blue Aware?” concluded Minister Murat Kurum. He emphasized the broader significance of the event: “Here in New York, we demonstrate that environmental diplomacy can be as powerful as treaties. BlueAware is a bridge from Türkiye to the world, uniting governments, organizations, artists, and young people in one mission: to protect the blue.”
Event Details
- Event: “Are You Blue Aware?” – Global Marine Awareness Campaign Launch
- Date & Venue: September 24, 2025, Guastavino’s, New York City
- Organizers: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change & Zero Waste Foundation
- Honorary Attendance: H.E. Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation
- Website: blueaware.org
- Campaign Hashtags: #BlueAware #ZeroWasteBlue #ProtectTheBlue
One Planet. One Ocean. One Chance. For more information, visit blueaware.org and sifiratikvakfi.org/en.
About Zero Waste Foundation
The Zero Waste Foundation was established in 2023 under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan, the wife of the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The foundation operates with the aim of promoting the Zero Waste Project and ensuring its sustainability. It strives to foster an environmentally conscious society by encouraging individuals and institutions to embrace the zero-waste philosophy.
The foundation’s primary objectives include raising awareness about zero waste, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience, and developing and disseminating best practices in this field. To achieve these goals, the foundation conducts extensive activities in areas such as education, research, project development, and implementation.
To ensure the adoption of zero-waste practices in all areas, the foundation collaborates with public institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, it aims to create a global impact by promoting zero-waste initiatives at the international level.
Media Contact
Zero Waste Foundation
info@sifiratikvakfi.org
