Türkiye’s coastline is one of the Mediterranean’s ecological treasures, but it faces growing threats from pollution, unsustainable fishing and the pressures of tourism.

Waste accumulation and marine degradation not only harm biodiversity but also jeopardise the livelihoods of coastal communities and the appeal of Türkiye as a leading travel destination. Addressing these challenges requires education, community engagement and practical action. By empowering children to become environmental ambassadors in their communities, the TUI Care Foundation wants to help mitigate these negative effects and promote a sustainable future.

The project builds on the success of the first phase of TUI Junior Academy Türkiye, which educated over 5,000 students on environmental sustainability. In partnership with TURMEPA, the second phase of the project expands efforts to protect Türkiye’s coastal ecosystems through enhanced education, community outreach and hands-on clean-up initiatives.

This new phase reaches an additional 5,500 young people across key coastal regions, including Muğla, Antalya, İzmir, and Aydın. Through interactive workshops, eco-camps, and excursions, students deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems, biodiversity and pollution, whilst also developing practical solutions to local environmental challenges. Eco Camps for vocational high school students will train Senior Eco Champions, who will mentor younger peers and lead local sustainability projects.

Students also participate in hands-on learning and excursions: visiting waste management and recycling facilities, water treatment plants, and historical sites. They take part in coastal clean-ups, and educational games focused on recycling and waste reduction. Teachers will also benefit from specialised training, with 350 educators equipped to deliver environmental content and inspire long-term behavioural change.

The project builds on intensive stakeholder collaboration. Local communities, NGOs, businesses and government authorities will be actively involved through meetings and awareness campaigns. Engagement with fishermen, maritime professionals and tourism operators will foster dialogue on marine challenges and promote shared responsibility for coastal protection.

The TUI Junior Academy Türkiye is part of the international TUI Junior Academy programme that empowers children to become Eco Champions through environmental education and enables learning opportunities for young people from disadvantaged communities in holiday destinations such as Jamaica, South Africa, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.