The project launched 18 years ago by Arkas and DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA to support sustainable marine tourism in Cesme continues to play a key role in protecting the region’s habitat. In the 2024 season, the Arkas TURMEPA II waste collection boat has contributed to reducing the environmental footprint by collecting liquid waste from 742 boats in the popular bays of Cesme.
Launched as a social responsibility project, the Arkas TURMEPA II waste collection boat began its operations in 2006 through the collaboration of Arkas Holding and the DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA. For the 18th season, the boat continued to protect the Cesme bays from pollution in the Aegean Sea. Arkas Holding, which constructed and operates the Arkas TURMEPA II boat, concluded the boat’s activities for the 2024 summer season. Once again, the boat played an important role this year in preserving the habitat of Cesme bays by collecting liquid waste.
110,000 Liters of Waste Collected in the 2024 Season
During the 2024 summer season, the Arkas TURMEPA II boat collected 110,000 liters of waste from 742 boats in the bays of Cesme. The amount of wastewater collected is equivalent to the daily waste produced by 560 people. As a result, 880,000 liters of seawater remained clean. The waste collection service helps minimize the environmental damage caused by marine tourism. By allowing yachts and boats to dispose of wastewater at their locations without needing to reach treatment facilities, the project also reduces carbon emissions. Moreover, studies show that the oceans produce more than half of the oxygen we need, meaning that projects like the Arkas TURMEPA II waste collection boat contribute to the sustainability of life on land as well.
2.3 Million Liters of Waste Collected in 18 Years
Between 2006 and 2024, the boat collected 2.3 million liters of waste from the bays of Cesme, ensuring that approximately 19 million liters of seawater remained clean. By preventing the wastewater from being released into the sea, this project protects marine life and the food chain, which is crucial for delivering healthy seafood, an essential source of protein, to our tables.
The Arkas TURMEPA II waste collection boat will continue its efforts to protect the marine habitat in the upcoming season.