Garanti BBVA Strengthens Science-Based Marine Protection in Partnership with TURMEPA
Garanti BBVA, in partnership with TUREMPA, removed over 60 tons of solid waste and 613,000 liters of liquid waste from marine ecosystems in the Marmara Sea, Lake Van, Göcek and the Saros Gulf in 2025.
The Blue Breath Project, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, aims to protect and restore marine ecosystems through science-based interventions, including waste removal, seagrass and coral restoration, as well as awareness and education initiatives, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Türkiye’s seas.
Garanti BBVA has been collaborating with the DenizTemiz Association (TURMEPA) on the Blue Breath Project since 2021 to protect the present and future of marine ecosystems. The project aims to plant 14,000 seagrass beds, which will be protected as oxygen production areas marked by buoys. Scientifically measured to have a vitality rate of over 70 percent, these areas play a critical role as natural carbon sinks and oxygen sources.
Blue Breath also reduced pressure on underwater ecosystems in the Marmara Sea, Lake Van and Göcek, and carried out conservation and monitoring activities in the Saros Bay and Göcek to support biodiversity.
In addition, ecosystem scanning and cleaning activities were conducted for 600 coral colonies, while 200 square meters of ecologically harmful ghost nets were removed. These interventions strengthened coral and gorgonian colonies’ access to light, improved their feeding capacity, and supported their long-term survival.
Blue Breath also implements various initiatives to raise awareness. For example, in 2025, the mobile Blue Breath Education Bus and online training programs reached a total of 36,800 students and 1,730 teachers, aiming to have a long-term impact on marine protection.
Garanti BBVA CEO Mahmut Akten stated that the approach combining science, technology and civil society is a powerful way to leave a more sustainable world for future generations. “We will continue our work with the understanding that it is not enough to provide financing alone; we must also pursue projects that protect marine ecosystems and create a lasting impact."
Meanwhile, the Chair of the TURMEPA Board, Şadan Kaptanoğlu, stressed that oceans produce a critical amount of the oxygen we breathe, and “therefore require decisive and continuous action to ensure their protection.” He also underscored that TURMEPA will continue to collaborate with Garanti BBVA to implement science-based, concrete solutions through the Blue Breath Project.