Turkey’s marine environment is under threat from waste accumulation and pollution, which degrade biodiversity, impact coastal communities, and compromise the appeal of Turkey as a tourist destination. Building on the educational foundation of the first phase of TUI Junior Academy Turkey, the TUI Care Foundation and TURMEPA are now focusing on three key areas: expanded environmental education, community outreach, and large-scale coastal clean-ups. The project fosters long-term behavioural change and mobilises young people as active custodians of their coastal environment.

Through enhanced educational programmes, this phase will reach an additional 5,000 young people along Turkey’s coast, providing them with resources and training on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and pollution. These sessions are structured to deepen the environmental knowledge instilled in the first phase, now with a focus on active participation and community leadership. The project will involve more than 100 local schools and community groups in an expanded awareness campaign, aiming to embed sustainable habits and create a local network of advocates for marine conservation.

Coastal clean-up efforts are another important focus of this phase, with the project removing 50 tonnes of litter from critical areas. These clean-ups tackle waste in popular tourist regions to reduce pollution whilst also showcasing the importance of collective action. By engaging young people, local residents, and tourists in these activities, the project demonstrates how individual and community action can safeguard natural resources. The project also works with tourism businesses to encourage waste reduction practices and support a culture of responsible tourism along the coast.

This second phase of TUI Junior Academy Turkey focuses on measurable environmental improvements and foster a new wave of eco-consciousness.