The damage that plastic waste causes to nature and especially the seas is a serious concern. Plastics do not dissolve or break down in nature for hundreds of years. This leads to our seas becoming increasingly polluted with plastic. Plastic waste, which is a major threat to marine life, endangers the lives of creatures such as fish, seabirds and marine mammals and disrupts the ecosystem. So what are these damages?
Plastic Pollution
The increasing plastic waste in the seas and shores of Gökçeada has become a major problem. Plastic bottles, bags, PET bottles, fishing nets and other plastic pieces seen on beaches and in the seas both create visual pollution and harm marine life. Plastic waste can be accidentally swallowed by marine creatures and can lead to fatal consequences.
Marine Pollution
The seas around Gökçeada are at risk of pollution due to shipping, fishing and tourist activities. Oil and other harmful substances leaking from ships endanger marine life and disrupt the marine ecosystem. At the same time, overfishing and fishing activities in the seas also destabilize the marine ecosystem.
Soil Erosion
Gökçeada has serious soil erosion problems due to winds and water currents. Overuse of agricultural lands, deforestation and improper land use accelerate soil loss. Soil erosion causes loss of fertile agricultural lands, reduction of vegetation cover and pollution of water resources.
Decreasing Water Resources
Gökçeada is an island with limited drinking water resources. Due to climate change, decreasing rainfall and increasing population, drinking water resources are gradually decreasing. Sustainable management and protection of water resources is important, otherwise there may be a drought problem and ecosystems may be affected.
Damage to Local Ecosystems
Gökçeada has forested areas, maquis vegetation and ecosystems where endemic species live. However, land use errors, deforestation and touristic activities are damaging local ecosystems. It is important to protect rare plant and animal species and to manage habitats sustainably.
We set out on this path with a plastic-free festival to protect the unique nature of Gökçeada and take steps for a sustainable future. Because we believe that by raising awareness, we can protect the natural beauties of Gökçeada and leave a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
With the Plastic-Free Festival, we want to remind you that Gökçeada is an ecosystem beyond being just a touristic destination. Sustainable tourism and efforts to reduce plastic use will perhaps be the first step we will take to protect the natural beauty of the island and pass it on to future generations. We hope that this festival will be an important step to protect the natural richness of Gökçeada and other regions and will contribute to increasing social awareness to reduce plastic waste.
