‘Green’ Solidarity in Izmir

Students from Izmir University of Economics (IUE) organized a beach cleanup at Inciraltı Urban Forest to draw attention to environmental protection, keeping the seas clean, and the sustainability of natural life. With the support of members from the Yurdoğlu, Konak, and Inciraltı Disability Studies Service Centers affiliated with the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, environmental awareness turned into exemplary solidarity at the event, which brought together over 200 participants. Students and individuals with disabilities collected paper scraps, glass bottles, metal, and plastic waste along the coast, sending a powerful message for a clean environment and a livable future.

Organized through a collaboration between the Izmir University of Economics Design Research and Application Center (EKOTAM) and the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Social Services Disability Studies Branch Directorate, the event marked the second gathering of the joint initiative launched last year. Planned to continue in the coming years, the event aims to expand social responsibility projects involving university students and individuals with disabilities while creating lasting environmental awareness.

“THE REAL SUCCESS IS CREATING LASTING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Can Özcan, Head of the Department of Industrial Design at IUE and Director of EKOTAM, recalled that in 2025 they held a simultaneous beach cleanup in collaboration with Yaizu Chuo High School in Japan, setting a Guinness World Record. Expressing his happiness at continuing the event this year, Özcan said, “We are observing how this effort, which we initiated last year as part of an international record, is transforming over time into a growing volunteer movement. For us, the true success lies in strengthening the sense of responsibility toward nature and our city, and making this awareness a part of daily life. This is because solving environmental issues depends not only on large-scale projects but also on the small yet lasting changes we create in individual behaviors. We place immense importance on raising youth as individuals who are sensitive to environmental issues, willing to generate solutions, and conscious of their social responsibilities.”

“THE POWER OF ACTING TOGETHER”

Özcan continued as follows: “One of the most meaningful aspects of this year’s gathering was bringing together individuals of different ages and life experiences for a common purpose. When we act together, we feel our responsibilities both toward nature and to one another much more strongly. As a University, we do not view knowledge generation as limited to the campus alone; we consider it our duty to bring it to society and transform it into a tangible benefit. The contributions of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Social Services Disability Studies Branch Directorate to this event are also deeply valuable.”