The Zero Waste Foundation, which continues to work under the vision and leadership of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, signed an important cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to raise awareness on food waste, food safety, water efficiency, zero waste practices and sustainable management of natural resources, to carry out joint projects and to support environmentally friendly policies by taking concrete steps.

The Zero Waste Foundation continues to contribute to Türkiye's vision for the future and produce effective results both nationally and internationally through its multifaceted efforts to prevent waste at source, environmental sustainability, efficient use of resources and waste reduction. In this context, the protocol signed between the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry aims to increase social awareness in these areas, carry out joint projects and encourage the implementation of environmentally friendly policies. The two institutions have decided to act together to implement policies in line with both national and international strategies.

Samed Ağırbaş, President of Zero Waste Foundation, İbrahim Yumaklı, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, and ministry executives attended the signing ceremony held at the General Directorate of Forestry.

“This Cooperation is a Strategic Step for a Livable World”

In his speech at the ceremony, Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, pointed out that the effects of the climate crisis are felt more clearly every day, emphasized that zero waste and water efficiency policies should be placed at the center of development strategies, and stated that the protocol is a concrete indicator of a strong will, a common vision and determination for environmental sustainability. "This protocol we signed today covers a wide range of cooperation from water efficiency to waste management, from education campaigns to pilot projects, from research studies to international representation. I believe that the steps we will take together are extremely valuable, especially to leave a more livable world for our children, youth and future generations."

Stating that the Foundation has adopted a working approach that is not only theoretical but also field-based and intertwined with the society, Ağırbaş said that the Ministry's information and infrastructure support will provide an important companionship in this process.

“Zero Waste Movement Recognized in 193 Countries”

Stressing that the Zero Waste Movement started in Türkiye in 2017 under the leadership of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, Ağırbaş said that today it has become a movement that is reciprocated and implemented in 193 countries around the World. At the end of his speech, Mr. Ağırbaş stated that this cooperation is not just a protocol, but a strategic step taken for a more livable world to be left to the future.

“Joint Projects will be Implemented by Raising Awareness”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı conveyed the importance of preventing food loss and waste at every stage from field to table and preventing waste by using water efficiently. For this reason, he stated that as the ministry, they are doing their best to make the zero waste movement reach an important point throughout the country and used the following statements;

"Within the scope of the protocol signed with the Zero Waste Foundation; awareness will be raised on water efficiency, waste management and sustainable use of natural resources, and joint projects will be implemented. With the organizational structure of the Ministry across the country, environmentally friendly policies will be supported by reaching more citizens and active participation of the society in the process will be ensured."

Food Waste Identified as One of the Priority Areas of Work

Within the scope of the cooperation protocol signed between the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, prevention of food waste has been identified as one of the priority areas of work. In this context, awareness-raising activities will be carried out to reduce waste in all processes from food production to consumption; mechanisms will be developed to increase consumer awareness, reduce losses in the food chain and encourage the reuse of food that can be utilized without becoming waste. In addition, sustainable food consumption and zero waste understanding will be disseminated to all segments of society in cooperation with local administrations, educational institutions and the private sector.

Common Step for Sustainable Food Security

Within the framework of the Protocol, joint work will be carried out in the field of food safety that prioritizes public health and is based on sustainability. In this context, awareness-raising activities, training programs and legislation-supported practices will be implemented to ensure access to safe, hygienic and healthy food from agricultural production to consumption. In this direction, integrated pest management, biological and biotechnical control methods will be supported in order to reduce the negative effects of pesticide use on the environment and human health; both food safety will be increased and ecosystems will be protected with practices that minimize residue risk.

Modern Techniques for Water Efficiency to be Disseminated

Protection and efficient use of water resources are among the main priorities of the cooperation protocol. By supporting practices such as reducing water consumption in agriculture, expanding modern irrigation techniques and water recovery, sustainable management of natural resources and an agricultural production model that is resilient to climate change will be promoted. At the same time, it is aimed to establish a water efficiency culture in all segments of the society by conducting training, campaigns and projects to increase water saving awareness in individuals and institutions.

National and International Collaborations Will Continue for a Sustainable Future

The Zero Waste Foundation resolutely continues its collaborations at national and international level in line with the goal of a sustainable future. Projects developed to protect natural resources, combat climate change and promote circular economy principles are carried out in cooperation with public institutions, universities, private sector and non-governmental organizations. At the same time, through strategic partnerships with international organizations, examples of global best practices are brought to Türkiye and local solutions are scaled to create global impacts. These collaborations form the basis of steps that will secure the right to life not only for today but also for future generations.