TUI Junior Academy launches new phase in Türkiye to protect coastlines and empower young leaders

Turkey

The programme reaches 5,500 students and trains 350 teachers, combining environmental education with hands-on action along Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast

Türkiye’s coastline is among the Mediterranean’s most valuable ecological regions, yet it is increasingly under pressure from pollution, marine waste, unsustainable fishing practices and the impacts of tourism. These challenges threaten biodiversity, coastal livelihoods and the long-term attractiveness of the country as a major travel destination. With the launch of a new project phase, the TUI Care Foundation is expanding its efforts to address these risks through education, community engagement and practical environmental action.

The initiative builds on the success of the first phase of the TUI Junior Academy Türkiye, which introduced more than 5,000 students to environmental sustainability. In its second phase, delivered in partnership with TURMEPA, the programme strengthens the protection of coastal ecosystems by deepening environmental education and scaling up community-based activities.

Education and action along the coast

The new phase engages an additional 5,500 students across key coastal regions, including Muğla, Antalya, İzmir and Aydın. Through interactive workshops, eco-camps and excursions, participants explore marine ecosystems, biodiversity and the causes and consequences of pollution. The programme encourages students not only to understand environmental challenges, but also to develop practical solutions rooted in their local context.

A dedicated focus is placed on vocational high school students through Eco Camps that train so-called Senior Eco Champions. These students are prepared to mentor younger peers and take a leading role in local sustainability initiatives, strengthening peer-to-peer learning and long-term impact.

Hands-on learning and teacher training

Beyond classroom-based learning, students take part in excursions to waste management and recycling facilities, water treatment plants and cultural heritage sites. Coastal clean-ups and educational games centred on waste reduction and recycling translate theory into action. At the same time, 350 teachers receive specialised training, enabling them to integrate environmental topics into their teaching and support lasting behavioural change in schools and communities.

Community collaboration as a cornerstone

The project is underpinned by close cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders. Local communities, non-governmental organisations, businesses and public authorities are involved through meetings and awareness campaigns. Dialogue with fishermen, maritime professionals and tourism operators addresses shared marine challenges and promotes collective responsibility for coastal protection.

Part of a global programme

TUI Junior Academy Türkiye forms part of the international TUI Junior Academy programme, which empowers children to become Eco Champions through environmental education. The initiative supports young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, in holiday destinations worldwide, with projects in countries such as Jamaica, South Africa, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Through its expanded work in Türkiye, the TUI Care Foundation aims to combine education, engagement and action to safeguard coastal ecosystems and inspire a new generation of environmental leaders.