This week, the Blue Wave Project partnership held its Blue Wave Awards for the marine sector, tour operators, regional governmental officials, local NGOs and other stakeholders.

Apaz, Elite Diving, Fethiye E and Aviva 2 boats received awards for implementing the best practice for liquid waste disposal. Grand Burak, Nilperi and Hanedan boats received awards for implementing the best practice for recycling used cooking oil.

The Jury’s Special award went to Calis Daily Boat Cooperative for their efforts in installing two automated waste collection facilities in their jetties.

Headmaster Baki Burcu and teachers Betül Karabayır and Dursun Ali Eskici from Mustafa Kemal Vocational School received recognition awards for their contributions to the Blue Wave coastal cleanup events.

EkoBot, a solar powered daily tour boat has received the award for creating the most noticeable awareness.

This year’s Blue Wave Special Award went to Şeref Topçu for his boat built from recycled plastic bottles to mark World Environment day on the 5th this year.

While presenting the awards, Fethiye District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner said, “If we want sustainably in marine tourism then we really need to be considered of our actions and do everything we can to protect these coasts.”

The Blue Wave 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 – and work with stakeholders to strengthen sustainable marine tourism practices. A partnership was established by the Travel Foundation consisting of cross sector representation from key stakeholders including the Chamber of Shipping, the Municipality of Fethiye, TURMEPA, D Marin Göcek.