Göcek, one of Muğla’s world-famous holiday destinations, has opened a newly cleaned public beach to visitors free of charge after boats were removed from the area. New images of the beach have also been shared.
Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum shared footage of the shoreline, which was cleared of boats and made available to the public as a free beach.
In his message, Kurum said: “So that our children can enjoy the sea and our families can spend quality time together… Göcek Public Beach is clean, free and open to everyone, in line with our Zero Waste vision.”
With the addition of Göcek Public Beach, the number of free public beaches developed under the Zero Waste concept over the past two years has reached 15.
Turkey’s Public Beach Project Continues
The Public Beach Project, led by Minister Murat Kurum, aims to ensure free public access to the coastline and promote Zero Waste principles at beaches across Turkey.
The project is being carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate for the Protection of Natural Assets and Kıyı Yönetimi ve Çevre Koruma A.Ş., a joint venture involving the Turkish Environmental Protection Foundation (TÜÇEV).
Last year, several beaches in Muğla were upgraded with environmentally friendly facilities, including İztuzu and Sarıgerme in Ortaca, Akbük in Menteşe, Kızkumu in Marmaris, Bitez Hacıahmetler in Bodrum, and Çalış, Belcekız and Karaot in Fethiye.
This year, the project expanded to include Göcek in Fethiye; Altınkum and Pamuk Ovası in Çeşme, İzmir; Kumdenizi in Urla; Sarımsaklı in Ayvalık, Balıkesir; Gaziömer in Enez, Edirne; and Kısalar in Manavgat, Antalya.
The public beaches have been developed across five provinces, covering a total area of 24,682 square metres. They are expected to welcome an average of 636,000 visitors annually.
Free Beach Facilities and Affordable Refreshments
The beaches offer free umbrellas, shaded areas, showers and toilets. A total of 784 umbrellas have been installed across the sites.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, while kiosks operated under the Ministry follow an affordable pricing policy.
The beaches also feature waste-sorting bins in line with the Zero Waste Project, as well as beach volleyball courts.
