A novelty in the beloved direction of Poles. These beaches are now free from it
Holiday resorts surprise with changes all the time. These were announced a long time ago. You will notice the difference on selected beaches in Turkey.
A popular resort promoted by, among others, in travel agency offers is changing for good. Antalya has introduced smoke-free beaches to reduce cigarette pollution. Particular caution is required from Friday, June 5. Anyone who forgets will pay the penalty.
New rules on Turkish beaches
Several of the most popular beaches in the Turkish resort have been banned from smoking. The Mediterranean tourist center launches a new environmental protection initiative, including: protection of marine ecosystems or as part of sustainable coastal management.
From June 5, tourists and residents will not smoke both traditional and electronic cigarettes as part of the “Blue Mediterranean Initiative” on public beaches:
- Lara
- Belek
- Camyuva
- Beach Park
The action is coordinated by the Office of the Governor of Antalya. These places are managed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and are now intended to be even more friendly to families with children. Violations may result in fines ranging from 1,764 Turkish liras (approx. PLN 140) to up to PLN 5,000. lyre.
Tourists’ cigarettes are a threat
People responsible for introducing the new rules emphasize that the use of tobacco products on beaches has a greater impact on environmental pollution than many people think. “Research conducted in cooperation with the Faculty of Fisheries of Akdeniz University revealed large accumulations of cigarette waste on the seabed,” assured Project Coordinator Ebru Şahin, as we read on hurriyetdailynews.com.
He mentioned photos of the seabed that showed cigarette butts. “They accumulate among sand and stones, are carried to the sea by currents and cause serious damage to the ecosystem. Sea protection starts with small changes in behavior,” he added.
Similar restrictions on cigarettes on beaches apply, among others: in selected places in Spain and France. Already in December 2023, we informed that Emmanuel Macron’s government was proposing to introduce new rules regarding cleanliness in public places. As a result, areas such as beaches, parks and forests are to be free of smokers. There are thousands of points with prohibitions in this country.
There are many indications that Türkiye may also extend the bans to other places in the future. The current initiative is part of a broader campaign for sustainable development in Antalya. Residents and tourists will soon be able to refill reusable bottles for free, thereby reducing their reliance on single-use plastics.
