Beach cleanup at Alagadi
POLITICIANS and volunteers alike rolled up their sleeves for a beach clean-up at Alagadi to coincide with World Environment Day.
President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Ersan Saner, Tourism and Environment Minister Fikri Ataoğlu, members of the Society for the Protection of Turtles (Spot), the Cyprus Turkish Political and Social Research Centre (Sita) and Karşıyaka Turtle Watch (KTW) volunteers attended the event at the “caretta flag certified” Alagadi Turtle Paradise Restaurant.
Speaking on the day, Spot’s Damla Beton said that the Alagadi Environmental Protection Area is of great significance because of the sea turtles that lay eggs there.
Noting that sea turtles are now on the beaches and that in September thousands of hatchlings will head to the sea, Dr Beton called on the public to be mindful about the protection of the sea turtles and to be aware of this when using the beach.
President Tatar said in his speech that non-governmental organisations working on the environment cooperate with universities from foreign countries to “constantly improve themselves” and establish international relations. He said that despite the isolation and restrictions imposed on the TRNC, the message was given that Turkish Cypriots are working with sensitivity to protect world heritage.
Sea turtles will be protected so that they can make nests and lay their eggs on the country’s beaches “as they have in the past, today and will in the distant future” Mr Tatar stated.
“It is our duty to protect these world treasures and to serve humanity,” he said.
“Generations change, the key thing is to instill these values, awareness and sensitivity in young people so that they acquire the same sensitivity and embrace these values. It is important that this beauty, which existed here thousands of years ago, should be preserved in the future. The main thing is to responsibly protect these values entrusted to us by humanity.
“This is the message the TRNC gives to the world: we are from this world and our hearts beat to protect these values.”
PM Saner also congratulated those who helped arrange the event, stating that it is a “divine duty” to use the world in the cleanest way and to pass it on to future generations. Mr Saner said that plastic and other waste dumped from ships passing by Cyprus is another cause of coastal pollution.
He praised the work of Spot and stressed the importance of protecting sea turtles. Mr Ataoğlu stated that the biggest complaint of tourists coming to the country is environmental pollution and emphasised that education from a young age is important for the development of environmental awareness.
A statement from Spot said it was “touched” by the “thoughtful speeches” of the politicians.
“The President brought the focus of the event to environmental sustainability and the importance of sustainable actions today to leave a better future for generations to come,” Spot said.
“Alagadi special protected area made the perfect setting, with newly laid nests on the beach and green turtles surfacing to breathe on the crystal clear waters of North Cyprus.
“Hoping for another bumper nesting season as a result of all the hard work of all Turkish Cypriot people and stakeholders in protecting the sea turtle icon of North Cyprus.
“Thanks to KTW volunteers and all of those that helped in and attended the event.”
During the clean-up coffee sacks were used instead of plastic bags to collect litter in order to raise awareness about reducing the use of plastic.