World Environment Day panel from EMU

Organized by Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Urban Research and Development Center (KENT-AG) and Community Involvement Center (TDM), with the contributions of Yeniboğaziçi Municipality, in cooperation with Famagusta Women's Center Association (MAKAMER) and Yeniboğaziçi Women's Association (YEKAD), a panel was held within the scope of World Environment Day.

The panel, titled "PLASTIC on the Axis of Environment, Health, Production and Consumption", was held at Yeniboğaziçi Cultural Center.

The panel started with the opening speeches of EMU KENT-AG President Prof. Dr. Şebnem Hoşkara, TDM President Asst. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso Kandemir, YEKAD President Atty. Nazenin Taşçıoğlu Şahali, MAKAMER President Sıdıka Özdoğan and Panel Coordinator and EMU KENT-AG Board Member Asst. Prof. Dr. Pınar Uluçay.

The Effects of Plastic on the Environment and Human Health Were Discussed

Since the theme of this year's World Environment Day, which is celebrated on June 5 every year, is the fight against plastic, the effects of plastic on the environment and human health were discussed in the panel. At the event, which was held with the participation of speakers from different disciplines, a stand was also set up where products such as bags, wallets, and hairpins produced by MAKAMER from plastic materials and waste fabrics were exhibited.

"Plastic Pollution is a Significant Threat to the Mediterranean and Our Island"

EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Academic Staff Member Dr. Özge Cumaoğulları Eker, discussed the effects of climate change on the environment and human health. Stating that plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the Mediterranean and our island, Dr. Cumaoğulları Eker emphasized that microplastics are detected in many tissues and body fluids, including breast milk, and that these pollutants pose a great danger to both present and future generations. Dr. Cumaoğulları Eker stated that leaving single-use plastics is a necessity for both human and environmental health.

"Yeniboğaziçi, the First Cittaslow Settlement in Northern Cyprus"

YEKAD President Atty. Nazenin Taşçıoğlu Şahali drew attention to the situation of city dumps and the deficiencies in the implementation of environmental policies. He stated that citizens can submit their environmental pollution complaints to the "Alo 123 Environmental Complaint Line" and get information from the https://cevrekorumadairesi.org/ address. Atty. Taşçıoğlu Şahali reminded that Yeniboğaziçi is the first Cittaslow (Slow City) settlement in Northern Cyprus and stated that these cities should be supported by the state in terms of the environment.

"Only 9% of plastics can be recycled."

MAKAMER Board Member and Environmental Education and Management Specialist Biologist Pelin Producer emphasized the pressure of human activities on the environment and touched on the harms of micro- and nanoplastics to ecosystems. Emphasizing the importance of the principle of reduction, reuse, and recycling (3R) in the fight against plastic pollution, the Manufacturer stated that only 9% of plastics can be recycled, so reduction should be the basic principle.

"A Potential Food Crisis"

EMU KENT-AG Executive Board Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevter Zafer Cömert stated that the mixing of greenhouse gases and nanoplastics into water resources makes it difficult to access clean water, which may lead to a potential food crisis. Stating that sustainable cities and zero waste practices play a critical role in the fight against plastic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cömert presented examples in line with the 17 Global Development Goals of the United Nations.

At the end of the panel, all speakers emphasized that it is possible to achieve a clean and healthy environment by strengthening our relations with nature and reducing our daily plastic consumption, and underlined that a holistic approach with the cooperation of different disciplines and non-governmental organizations is essential for a solution.