Our cause, our value, our sea.
We continue to produce solutions for Marmara Sea through an approach that brings all stakeholders together around a shared responsibility.
The institutional commitment to the future of Marmara Sea took root with a historic call made in 1973. The determination of local governments “it is impossible to solve these problems individually; we must come together” laid the foundations of Türkiye's first regional union of municipalities. This journey, which began half a century ago, marked the first step toward replacing isolated action with collective strength. Today, this shared vision comes to life through concrete policies, projects, and collaborations aimed at protecting and sustaining Marmara Sea for future generations.
Marmara Sea is a strategic inland sea entirely within Türkiye's borders, connected to international waters through the Türkiye Straits. This corridor, through which approximately 40,000 ships pass each year, lies at the heart of cities that serve as the driving force of industry, trade, and agriculture. In this region, which is home to more than 30% of the country's population, the intense pressure generated by urban and industrial activities threatens the ecosystem on every level. This reality makes Marmara Sea not only an environmental issue, but also a multidimensional governance challenge.
As Marmara Municipalities Union, we carry the spirit of unity built over half a century into a multidimensional framework today through scientific studies, events, practical initiatives, and awareness campaigns. With an integrated environmental management perspective that brings all stakeholders together at the same table, we reimagine the sea as a sustainable living space. This deep-rooted tradition, which regards the protection of air, soil, and water as its primary responsibility, continues today with unwavering determination through modern technology and participatory governance models. Because this sea is our shared responsibility and our common future.
