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May 6, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations — The “Breathe Life Into Marmara” event was organized through the collaboration of Gebze Technical University and Darıca Municipality. — The GTU Underwater Sports Society carried out cleaning activities both along the shoreline and on the seabed. — The event took place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the GTU Coastline.
The “Breathe Life Into Marmara” event, organized in collaboration with Gebze Technical University (GTU), Darıca Municipality, and the GTU Underwater Sports Society (GTUSAS), raised awareness about marine pollution and environmental sustainability.
The environmental initiative, implemented through the partnership of GTU, Darıca Municipality, and GTUSAS, aimed to protect the ecosystem of the Marmara Sea. During the event, the significance of the project was emphasized through protocol speeches, while simultaneous cleaning activities were conducted both underwater and along the coastline.
Protecting Our Seas Is Our Fundamental Responsibility Speaking at the opening ceremony, GTUSAS President Yiğit Zeytun stated that the society’s mission is not only to promote diving sports but also to protect underwater ecosystems. He emphasized that their goal is for the project to extend beyond the university campus and evolve into a lasting awareness movement that resonates throughout the Marmara region.
Transforming Theoretical Knowledge Into Action Representing the university administration, GTU Secretary General Nadir Yıldırım emphasized that protecting the Marmara Sea is a responsibility owed to future generations. He stated that university–local government collaborations are important in fostering practical awareness initiatives and thanked Darıca Municipality and GTUSAS for their contributions. Yıldırım stated: “Our young people’s efforts to breathe life into our seas are the most concrete reflection of our university’s sustainability vision.”
Joining Forces for Marmara Muzaffer Bıyık, Mayor of Darıca, stated that they would continue to provide every possible support to protect the Marmara Sea, one of the region’s most valuable natural assets. He emphasized the municipality’s commitment to Zero Waste projects and expressed his satisfaction with carrying out this initiative together with a valuable stakeholder such as GTU.
Major Cleanup Operation at Balyanoz Cove Following the speeches, professional divers from GTUSAS entered the water at the GTU Coastline (Balyanoz Cove) to conduct seabed cleaning activities. At the same time, participants and municipal teams carried out waste collection along the shoreline. All collected waste will be sorted and recycled by the Zero Waste teams of Darıca Municipality. |
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