Taner Özgür, President of the Business World Federation, made important statements regarding the increasing marine pollution in Izmir Bay. Özgür emphasized that marine pollution has serious negative impacts on the ecosystem, tourism and local economy in the region and called on all sectors to take urgent measures in this regard.
“Izmir Bay is one of the most valuable natural riches not only of our city but also of the entire Aegean Region. However, the recent increase in marine pollution threatens this unique ecosystem. We must all show sensitivity to this problem and cooperate to develop sustainable solutions.”
Özgür stated that the main causes of pollution include industrial waste, irregular waste management and lack of individual awareness. “Pollution in the Gulf not only negatively affects the environment, but also the lifeblood of Izmir’s economy, such as tourism, fisheries and maritime trade. To solve this problem, we need to invest in stricter inspections, training and environmentally friendly technologies,” he said.
Özgür stated that as the Business World Federation, they will cooperate with local governments and non-governmental organizations to clean and protect the Gulf of Izmir, and that the members of the federation will take a more active role in the fight against marine pollution.
Emphasizing that initiatives will be supported especially in improving waste management systems and using innovative technologies, Özgür continued his words as follows: “Our seas are one of the most important resources that shape our future. As the business world, protecting these resources is both our economic and social responsibility.”
At the end of the statement, President Taner Özgür invited the people of Izmir to be more sensitive to this issue. “The individual contribution of each citizen is vital for keeping our seas clean. It should be the duty of all of us not to throw waste into the seas, to pay attention to recycling and to raise awareness of environmental protection,” he said.
The Business World Federation will be organizing awareness campaigns on the issue in the coming days.