Smoke-free beaches are coming to the Blue Mediterranean! They will be implemented one by one

According to Hürriyet's report; 

Preparing to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP31,  Antalya has pressed the button for environmental projects that will attract the world's attention. Under the coordination of the Antalya Governorship, many projects aimed at protecting the seas are being implemented within the scope of the “Blue Mediterranean Initiative,” and one of the first remarkable steps is the “smoke-free beach” application. Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin and his wife Ebru Şahin, who undertakes the project coordination of the Antalya Blue Mediterranean Initiative, provided important information on many topics, from preparations for COP31 and the protection of seas to smoke-free beaches and the special protection area planned in Kemer Üç Adalar.

'WE WILL TRANSFORM WITH COP31'

Emphasizing that COP31 should not be seen as an ordinary event, Governor Hulusi Şahin said Antalya is facing a historic opportunity to show its environmental vision to the world: “COP31 is one of the world's largest international events. Hosting this event is a great honor but also a great responsibility. We founded the Blue Mediterranean Initiative with the goal of protecting the sea. Our goal is very clear; for the sea to always be clean in Antalya. Our city hosts 25 million visitors annually. The EXPO and G-20 processes took Antalya tourism to a different level. I believe COP31 will have a similar impact. High-level participants from all around the world will see Antalya.”

'IT WILL SPREAD TO TURKEY'

One of the most striking projects of the Blue Mediterranean Initiative is the smoke-free beach application. Project Coordinator Ebru Şahin said the damage cigarette butts cause to the marine ecosystem is much greater than assumed. During their studies with Akdeniz University Faculty of Fisheries, Şahin described encountering striking images: “In images coming from the seabed, formations that at first glance looked like marine animals or sponges were actually cigarette butts. Butts accumulate among sand and pebbles, transported to the sea by currents, and cause serious harm to the ecosystem. People often are unaware of this. However, protecting the seas starts with behavioral changes that may seem small.” She stated that the application will start at public beaches operated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and added: “We see examples in countries like Belgium, France, and Spain. France even expanded the smoke-free beach practice throughout the country. We are taking the first step at Lara, Belek, Çamyuva, and Beach Park. We will create beaches where children are not exposed to cigarette smoke, families can use more comfortably, and butts do not reach the sea. Maybe this initiative will spread from Antalya to all of Turkey.”

SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA FOR SEAS

One of the most ambitious projects of the initiative is the special protection area planned in the Kemer Üç Adalar Region. Ebru Şahin noted significant losses in sea grass and underwater life in recent years and said: “In some regions, we see the sea floor almost turning into a desert. Anchors, intense boat traffic, and human pressure are destroying sea grasses. We are working on a special protection model with the Marine Life Protection Association in Kemer Üç Adalar. If the process is completed, the region will become a model protection area for the Mediterranean.”

DRINKING WATER STATIONS

While drinking water stations are being established across the city, deposit return machines are also being expanded. Ebru Şahin said, “A plastic bag or bottle is sometimes used only for a few minutes but can remain in nature for hundreds of years. Therefore, we adopt a prevention approach at the source. People will contribute to recycling by returning plastic bottles to the machines. Additionally, those who come to drinking water stations will fill their thermoses with free water, thus reducing single-use plastic consumption.”

EXAMPLES IN THE WORLD

France: Smoking bans are applied on many beaches. The scope is expanding nationwide.
Spain: Hundreds of beaches operate under the “smoke-free” status.
Belgium: Smoke-free beach applications are becoming widespread in coastal areas.
Italy: Many municipalities restrict smoking on beaches.
Australia: Smoke-free beaches have long existed in areas highly used by children.

INSPIRATION SOURCE 'ZERO WASTE'

Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin stated that the Zero Waste Movement, carried out under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Tayyip Erdoğan, played an important role in the emergence of the Blue Mediterranean Initiative.

THE RED LINE WITH THE TOBACCO DRAFT LAW

In the draft law prepared by the Ministry of Health, aiming to extend the “smoke-free air space” with smoking bans, beaches will be a ‘red line.’ The draft is taking its final form with the participation of related institutions and AK Party deputies. With the proposal that reorganizes the Law on the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Products Harm from scratch, it is targeted to completely ban the sale of tobacco products in Turkey starting January 1, 2040. This date is aligned with WHO’s efforts and the European Union's target.

PARKS BEACHES SCHOOLS

Smoking will only be allowed in designated areas regardless of whether the area is open or closed. Smoking will be prohibited in places such as places of worship, preschool education institutions, primary and secondary education institutions, higher education institutions, healthcare institutions and facilities, children's parks, sports areas, and beaches.

SMOKING CABIN ON BEACHES

Smoking bans will also apply in hospitals and universities. Smoking areas will be established at least 20 meters away from buildings within hospital and university campuses. On beaches, smoking cabins can be set up at intervals of no less than 200 meters.

'WE COLLECT THE MOST BUTTS FROM THE SANDS'

President of Antalya Maritime Platform, İzzet Ünlü, due to the huge pollution caused by cigarette butts, demanded that smoking be banned on beaches in Turkey as in Spain and France, and that heavy fines be imposed on those who discard butts: “We have been cleaning Antalya for years and collect the most cigarette butts. For example, we have checked Konyaaltı Beach; there are cigarette butts everywhere. They go into rivers, sewers, and then directly to the sea. They mix with drinking water. It is very harmful to both our health and nature. It is a carcinogen, and butts can remain in nature for 10 to 15 years. As you know, this was banned in Spain. Smoking bans on beaches were introduced in Canary Islands, Southern France, and Sardinia. Penalties range from 30 to 2,000 euros.”