Dear Friends of the Sea,
History and progress have shown that countries, in their efforts to industrialize, have pushed respect for the environment into second place, prioritizing construction of new factories, increasing manufacturing and rapidly improving standards of living. Indeed, Turkey has taken the same path. Our seas are polluted, many species of fish are facing the threat of extinction, marine plants have been lost, and now the sea and the environment are not too happy with us.
Alarm bells began to ring in our ears 21 years ago, when developed countries embraced care and protection of the environment, making it a priority. We founded TURMEPA with a handful of friends and marine enthusiasts. Our purpose was to inform and warn our fellow citizens of all ages, and kindle a spark among the public.
We gave ourselves a 30-year deadline. Two thirds of that time has already passed. Despite this, we’re still swimming against the tide but at the same time growing stronger. Have we managed to reach the point that we've been aiming for? We haven’t reached it yet, but our fellow citizens, our government, our armed forces, our municipalities and those who rely on the sea for their livelihoods are gradually learning to respect the environment more.
It’s not possible for us to tackle a matter like this on our own and we know that; but our supporters are increasing every day. We’re pleased with this and are expanding the scope of our work as far as possible. If you too turn to the sea and give us your support, you can be another pinch of salt in this soup. And it’s not just about you: we want you to encourage other people to join us too.
This is the only way that we will be able to leave behind a clean, healthy world that future generations can be proud of.