This article was written by Şemsi Toprak for the Travel Foundation
A meeting and award ceremony was organised by the Blue Wave project partners on Friday 29th September to update the stakeholders and press members about the developments so far and to talk about the partnership’s future plans for the next year.
Blue Wave (Mavi Dalga)
The Blue Wave project started as a cross-sector representation from important stakeholders like D Marin Göcek – part of the biggest marina chain in the East Mediterranean, Chamber of Shipping – representing organisation for marine tourism professionals, TURMEPA – environmental NGO and the Travel Foundation.
The project aims to improve awareness and understanding of the threats to the marine environment from marine tourism – both within the tourism sector and amongst tourists themselves. The project also aims to improve the level of sustainable practices carried out within the sector and amongst tourists, creating a cleaner and more appealing tourism product.
The event
During the event, it was announced that Fethiye Municipality will be also signing the MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) and become an active partner in the project which will make the Blue Wave project even stronger and more influential in Fethiye and the Göcek region.
The event was well attended by representatives from the marine sector, tour operators, regional government officials, local NGOs and other stakeholders.
Sustainable Boating Practices Guidebook
Findings of some of the baseline research and updates about other activities and works were shared in a brief presentation and a Sustainable Boating Practices Guidebook – first Turkish language sustainability sourcebook with broad coverage for marine professionals – was also launched during the event. All content and information in this guidebook is online and accessible through mavidalgaprojesi.com and projectbluewave.com web pages. This guidebook also presents the foundations of the future Blue Wave Education Workshops for marine professionals.
Click here to read the English Version of the Sustainable Boating Practices Guidebook
The awards
The first ever Blue Wave Awards ceremony also took place and awards were presented by the Fethiye District Governor. Grand Admiral and Sunkissed boats were awarded for their efforts for recycling the greatest amount of vegetable oil.
Sunkissed boat receiving an award for recycling vegetable oil. from fethiyetimes on Vimeo.
Grand Barış boat received the Good Example Award for its onboard sustainable practices and waste management strategy.
A special award
2017 Blue Wave Special Award went to Mick Scarsbrook for his contributions to raise awareness towards land and marine-based pollution.
Mavi Dalga Presentation – Yacht Boutique – 29 Eylül 2017 from fethiyetimes on Vimeo.
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