AGP Executive Report

EU Fashion Reform Impact: Türkiye is positioning itself to benefit from tightening EU sustainability rules, with manufacturers betting on traceable, low-waste production and circular models as new frameworks like Digital Product Passports and EPR reshape sourcing. Climate & Biodiversity Spotlight: Salda Lake in Burdur hosted “Salda Science Days,” using hands-on events to boost research and awareness around the Mars-like site’s biodiversity and endemic species. Marine Safety in the Black Sea: A Turkish-flagged fishing boat was attacked off Crimea and sank, killing one sailor and injuring four, underscoring ongoing risks to navigation and environmental safety. Waste & Pollution Watch: A study warns plastic pollution is rising in parts of the Marmara Sea, adding pressure on Turkey’s coastal ecosystems. Water Awareness: Türkiye’s schools are set to hold “ÇevreFest’26” events in June, while separate local reporting highlights how runoff pollution can make waterways unsafe for aquatic life and people. Energy & Governance Debate: Turkey-linked power supply concerns surfaced in international coverage, with calls for transparency around reliance on rented power capacity.

World Environment Day & COP31 Prep: Türkiye marked June 5 with an Istanbul forum on “zero waste as climate action,” feeding into plans to host COP31 in Antalya (Nov. 9–20), while Environment Minister Murat Kurum reiterated the 2053 net-zero goal, protected areas expansion, “nation gardens,” Blue Flag beaches and the Zero Waste Movement. Climate & Tourism Heat Pressure: A UK survey warns that many European holiday hotspots—including Turkey—could become too hot for summer travel within five years, pushing people toward cooler seasons or destinations. Waste & Pollution Governance: Turkey’s “zero waste” push also ties into broader efforts to cut emissions and conserve resources, with the forum aiming to shape implementation models ahead of COP31. Maritime Safety: The IMO confirmed the HNS hazardous cargo liability rules will enter into force in Nov. 2027, tightening compensation frameworks for chemical and noxious shipments. Local Environment Policy: Deposit Return System is set to roll out across all Turkish provinces from July, targeting waste reduction at the source.

Deposit Return System: Turkey will roll out a deposit return system for plastic/glass bottles and metal cans in all 81 provinces from July 1, paying TRY 1 per returned item via citizens’ electronic ID under the Zero Waste push. Marine & waste: A study warns plastic pollution is rising in the Marmara Sea, while a separate report highlights the removal of a massive ghost net off Istanbul—both pointing to urgent cleanup needs. Climate risk & water: Turkey’s Antarctic expedition team warns of alarming ice melt, and an Euphrates-focused report argues flooding in the valley is driven by political decisions and upstream water releases, not just “nature.” Biodiversity & invasive species: A community-led effort targets invasive yellow tuft alyssum, and Turkey’s schools are set to host “ÇevreFest’26” events in June. Regional environment diplomacy: Türkiye welcomed progress on Syria’s chemical weapons cleanup with OPCW cooperation, calling for stronger international support for a chemical weapons-free Syria.

Climate & Disaster Risk: A new study using oil and gas exploration data traces how two Euphrates tributaries once flowed into the eastern Mediterranean before switching direction—shedding light on a river that also made headlines after flooding in Turkey and Syria. Biodiversity & Nature Protection: Türkiye welcomed progress on identifying and eliminating remnants of Syria’s chemical weapons programme, urging stronger international support to reach a chemical weapons-free Syria. Wildlife & Community Engagement: A Zero Waste Festival kicked off in Istanbul, while Türkiye’s schools are set to hold “ÇevreFest’26” events in June. Conservation & Education: Turkey’s Antarctic expedition team warned of alarming ice melt, adding urgency to climate monitoring. Transport & Environment: Maersk launched a weekly ocean service linking North Europe and Italy with Egypt to improve transit times and reliability along a growing EU–Egypt trade corridor. Marine Life: Türkiye imposed nighttime beach restrictions to protect endangered sea turtles.

Zero Waste Week in Istanbul: The Zero Waste Festival opened June 4 at Atatürk Airport, aiming to draw about one million visitors over four days with recycling workshops, energy-efficiency talks, circular economy projects and sustainability education, under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan. Coastal pressure and housing: Türkiye’s summer coastal property market keeps climbing, with prices in top destinations rising roughly 20–25% year-on-year, led by Bodrum and the northern Aegean as buyers chase year-round, less crowded homes. Heat adaptation in Turkey: A new study using mobile location data across seven countries, including Türkiye, finds people often retreat indoors during heatwaves, while malls and parks can act as key cooling refuges—especially where homes lack air conditioning. Environmental enforcement update: In Tennessee’s Turkey Creek case, officials say sampling and cautionary monitoring after a sewer overflow have returned to pre-event conditions, with the utility released from extra sampling obligations. Climate integrity warning: A report highlights why many voluntary carbon offsets fail to deliver reliable emissions cuts, pointing to recurring structural problems across major registries and project types. Energy and industry backdrop: SunExpress trims UK summer routes and frequencies due to higher jet fuel costs tied to regional geopolitical volatility.

Water Safety Update: Tennessee’s First Utility District has been released from extra monitoring and public-access cautions around a Turkey Creek sewer leak after E. coli results returned to pre-event levels, with routine sampling continuing. Marine Pollution: A study warns plastic pollution is worsening in the Marmara Sea, with levels reported to have tripled in some areas. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is set to mark World Bicycle Day with events in 81 provinces, while separate reporting highlights ongoing attention to wildlife and habitat pressures. Climate & Policy: The EU unveiled a “tech sovereignty” package aimed at reducing dependence on non-European cloud and AI providers, a move that could shape future environmental and industrial policy. Turkey’s Infrastructure & Trade: Türkiye plans to modernize the historic Hejaz Railway and extend it toward Oman to create an alternative trade route beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Environment & Disasters: An island nations ocean summit in Tokyo called for stronger action on climate-driven sea-level rise and biodiversity loss, including tackling marine debris and plastic pollution.

World Cup Logistics in Focus: Iran’s national team will play its final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Türkiye on Thursday, then depart for Mexico on Saturday, with the FFIRI citing security concerns and FIFA-approved changes to its tournament base from Tucson to Tijuana; the squad will face Mali in Antalya, then commute to group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. Market Pressure on Turkey’s Pistachios: Pistachio supply is under strain as demand rises (including Dubai chocolate trends) while Iran-related export disruptions and below-expected harvests in major producing countries—including Türkiye—tighten availability, keeping traders cautious. Marine & Waste Awareness in Türkiye’s Region: Türkiye’s embassy in Kuwait joined a recycling drive under the Healthy City Project, promoting zero-waste habits and collecting items like used oil, glass, paper, plastics, clothes and e-waste. Water Story with Türkiye at the Core: New research traces the Euphrates’ origins to two ancient river systems that flowed across what is now eastern Türkiye and Syria before tectonic shifts helped form the modern river—shedding light on the “cradle of civilization” water story. Conservation & Policy Signals: Türkiye is reported to be tightening protections for endangered sea turtles with nighttime beach restrictions and fines for violations.

Zero-Waste Push: Türkiye’s Embassy in Kuwait joined a recycling drive under the Healthy City Project, collecting used oil, glass, paper, plastics, clothes and e-waste while promoting the national Zero Waste approach. Green Transport Boost: The upgraded Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has entered full operation after Georgia’s modernization, with freight capacity rising to 5 million tonnes a year—strengthening the Middle Corridor. Fossil Fuel Phaseout Roadmaps: A “Santa Marta Coalition” of mostly Global South countries unveiled frameworks and workstreams to map fossil fuel phaseouts to emissions targets and climate finance. Marine Pollution Watch: A new study reports plastic pollution has tripled in parts of the Marmara Sea, raising fresh concerns for Turkey’s inland seas. Biodiversity & Coasts: Türkiye has imposed nighttime restrictions on 21 turtle beaches to protect endangered sea turtles. Climate Science from Turkey: Researchers traced the Euphrates’ origins to two ancient river systems that once flowed across eastern Turkey before merging—linking tectonics and climate shifts to today’s river. World Bicycle Day: Turkey’s Cycling Federation plans events in 81 provinces to promote cycling as sport, health and eco-friendly transport.

Textile Tech in Istanbul: Shima Seiki, with Turkish partner Tetas Ic Ve Dis Ticaret, will showcase knitting, design and automated cutting tech at ITM 2026 (9–13 June), highlighting WHOLEGARMENT seamless systems aimed at cutting material waste and easing labor shortages. Aviation Emissions Policy: The EU is reviewing CORSIA and whether to expand EU ETS coverage for aviation, including possible non-CO₂ impacts like contrails, with proposals expected after a July assessment. Turkey’s Marine Turtle Protection: Türkiye is enforcing nighttime beach restrictions and fines to protect endangered sea turtles. Water & Climate Risk: A disaster update flags major flooding in Syria after Turkey opened the Euphrates dam to release pressure, while Europe faces deadly heat waves. Biodiversity & Wildlife Monitoring: Türkiye’s conservation push also includes public reporting and surveys tied to wild turkey observation efforts in the region. Transport Infrastructure: The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line is set to enter full operation on June 2, boosting freight capacity and regional connectivity.

Turkey’s Energy Land Grab: Authorities are seizing Christian and Yazidi land in Turkey’s southeast for energy development, with activists warning expropriations are hitting minority communities hardest. Ancient Rivers, Modern Clues: New research suggests two ancient rivers in today’s Turkey and Syria merged to form the Euphrates, reshaping how scientists understand the “cradle of civilization.” Noah’s Ark Scans: Archaeologists report radar findings near Mount Ararat showing a ship-shaped, multi-deck structure and a buried tunnel, renewing claims about Noah’s Ark. Urban Pressure in İstanbul: Planners say İstanbul’s population—registered and unregistered—has outgrown transport, water, and disaster-response capacity, urging reverse-migration planning. Sea Turtle Protection: Türkiye has imposed nighttime restrictions on 21 turtle beaches, fining hundreds of thousands of lira to protect endangered sea turtles. Wildfire Cost Shock: A global study says 2025 wildfires caused record financial damage, with fewer fires but more intense impacts on populated areas.

Sea Turtle Protection: Türkiye has banned nighttime access to 21 Mediterranean sea-turtle nesting beaches, with fines up to 699,245 TL and higher penalties for habitat damage, covering sites like İztuzu, Patara and Çıralı through the end of September. Water Stress Watch: Türkiye’s renewable water availability per person fell to 1,301 cubic meters—below the 1,700 “water-rich” threshold—raising concerns about future water stress as climate impacts and population growth mount. Art Meets Ecology: Istanbul’s 6th Digital Art Festival (June 3–7) spotlights AI, bio-art and “data ecology,” including an installation simulating glacier melting to translate climate change into immersive experience. Wildfire Costs, Not Just Area: A new study says 2025 wildfires caused the most financial damage on record, with fewer hectares burned but greater harm in populated areas; wildfires drove 38% of global insured natural-hazard losses. Circular Fashion in Türkiye: Danish brand GANNI is developing textile materials from olive-oil waste, leather scraps and recycled jeans, including an Oleatex option produced in Turkey, aiming for Digital Product Passports by 2028.

COP31 Diplomacy Clash: EU officials say Türkiye has excluded Cyprus from COP31 climate preparations, escalating tensions ahead of the Antalya summit. Coastal Biodiversity & Dispute: Greece is reportedly weighing “marine parks” and expanded territorial waters in response to Türkiye’s “Blue Homeland” draft, turning Aegean protection into a legal standoff. Disaster & Safety: Two siblings drowned at Alabama’s Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, renewing calls for tighter water supervision and safety gear. Land Use & Water Infrastructure: Türkiye’s Parliament returns for a land-use bill that would assign local administrations safety duties around water structures and set fines for hydropower operators that fail DSİ requirements. Seismic Preparedness in Istanbul: A new study uses fiber-optic telecom cables to improve shallow seismic modeling and better map Istanbul’s earthquake risk. Wildlife Protection Policy: Türkiye’s forestry plans include “carbon sink” forests to boost greenhouse gas absorption. Defense Tech With Environmental Footprint: Katmerciler delivered upgraded HIZIR 4x4 MRAP vehicles with domestically integrated systems, reflecting growing defense-industry capacity.

Aegean Water Tension: Syria says Euphrates flows from Turkey have dropped, raising alarms for irrigation, dam reserves and electricity—an immediate pressure point for regional water security. Marine Protection Debate: Greece is weighing new eastern Aegean marine parks in response to Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” push, with biodiversity-rich areas on the shortlist. COP31 Clash: EU officials again called Turkey’s exclusion of Cyprus from COP31 preparations “not acceptable,” keeping climate diplomacy tied to maritime politics. Black Sea Security: Reports say drones hit three “shadow fleet” oil tankers off Türkiye’s coast, underlining ongoing risks around sanctioned shipping. Türkiye-Japan Defense Tech: Ankara signals deeper drone and anti-drone cooperation with Japan, aiming at joint development and co-production. Wildlife & Coasts: Türkiye bans night access to 21 turtle beaches and fines violators, while separate coverage highlights birdlife and habitat stewardship. Local Infrastructure: Ankara’s new 51,000-seat stadium nears completion with environmental works underway.

Sea Turtle Protection: Turkey has banned night access to 21 protected nesting beaches for endangered sea turtles, with fines up to 2,097,000 TL for violations—daytime beach use remains allowed. Aegean Marine Safeguards: Greece is weighing new marine parks in the eastern Aegean, citing biodiversity-rich areas as potential candidates for added protection amid tensions over Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine. Water Security Shock: Syria warns of reduced Euphrates flows after Turkey cut water supplies, raising risks for irrigation, dam reserves and electricity generation. Black Sea Shipping Risk: Pakistan is investigating a collision near Karachi involving a Turkish-owned containership and a cable ship, with reports of containers falling overboard and hull damage. Biodiversity & Climate Resilience: Forests Canada and Ontario Parks report planting 12,000 native trees and shrubs across nine provincial parks to recover from extreme weather, invasive species and shoreline erosion. Governance & Rights: A new report says Turkey’s judiciary has been captured for political control under Erdoğan, weakening judicial independence and checks and balances.

Black Sea Shipping Safety: Turkey warned of “uncontrolled escalation” after Russian drones hit a Turkish-owned cargo vessel in the Black Sea, injuring crew and sparking a fire, as Ankara urged safer civilian navigation and called for negotiations. Renewables Boom: Turkey’s installed power capacity climbed to 125,410 MW by end-April, with renewables at 62.5%—solar and wind together now make up about one-third of capacity, underscoring the rapid shift in the grid. COP31 Access Dispute: The EU said it’s “not acceptable” that Türkiye excluded Greek Cyprus from COP31 briefing preparations, while Türkiye reiterated assurances that Greek Cyprus would not be left out of future meetings. Coastal & Forest Restoration: A major tree-planting push in Ontario provincial parks aims to restore areas hit by extreme weather, invasive species and shoreline erosion, while in the U.S. the Conservation Fund protected 1,446 acres along the Talladega National Forest boundary to strengthen wildlife habitat and public access. Maritime Incident Monitoring: Pakistan is investigating a collision off Karachi involving a UAE-managed cable ship and a Turkish-owned containership; officials report hull damage to the cable ship and possible container loss overboard.

Climate & Water: After an unusually wet, record-breaking May, Turkish reservoirs across provinces reached peak capacity and authorities began controlled water discharges to prevent spillover and flood risks, including full recovery at Bursa’s Doğancı and Nilüfer dams. Black Sea Security & Environment: Drone attacks reportedly hit three “shadow fleet” oil tankers off Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, with Turkish officials saying the vessels were empty and crews unharmed, while one Turkish-linked ship reported fire and injuries. EU Climate Diplomacy: The EU said it is “not acceptable” that Türkiye excluded Cyprus from COP31 preparation briefings at the UN, urging Cyprus’s inclusion in future meetings. Sustainable Mining Cooperation: Peru’s environment minister said Peru is ready to deepen cooperation with Türkiye on critical minerals and sustainable mining, including a possible memorandum of understanding. Urban Sustainability Education: The University of Cyprus opened applications for its first English-language undergraduate degree in urban sustainability studies, starting in September. Tobacco Control: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights Türkiye’s tobacco-control reforms and questions whether policy “success” should be judged by laws or real smoking reductions.