Borusan Group Organizes “Mucilage Awareness Event” for World Environment Day

As part of its sustainability efforts to create a more livable future, Borusan Group organized a “Mucilage Awareness Event” in Gemlik, where its group companies Borusan Port, Borçelik, and Borusan Boru operate, to draw attention to the growing mucilage problem in the Marmara Sea.

Carrying out comprehensive and impactful initiatives within its sustainability focus areas—climate, people, and innovation—Borusan Group emphasized the importance it places on the Marmara Sea through this event. Held at Gemlik Pier Square, the gathering brought together representatives from civil society, the public sector, and the private sector to raise awareness and promote collective action on the increasing mucilage issue in the region.

 

Diving to Raise Awareness

The event was attended by Mustafa Orkun Gazioğlu, Deputy Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, and Şükrü Deviren, Mayor of Gemlik, who both delivered opening remarks.

Following their speeches, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı, Faculty Member at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University Maritime Faculty, gave a presentation on the ecological and social impacts of mucilage on the Marmara region. In his talk, he explained the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to mucilage formation using scientific data.

Afterward, Prof. Dr. Sarı conducted a diving demonstration to visually highlight underwater pollution. The dive drew strong interest from Borusan Ocean Volunteers and local residents. After the dive, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with experts to learn about the necessary measures to prevent mucilage formation.

 

Screening of “Umut Pina” Documentary

As part of the event, Borusan also screened the “Umut Pina” documentary—produced under the Borusan Sustainable Benefit Program—which focuses on the conservation of pinna nobilis, an endemic species of the Marmara Sea, and aims to raise awareness of its ecological significance.

During the event, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı also signed and gifted copies of his books “Cam Balık’ın Yolculuğu: Umut Pina” (“The Journey of the Glass Fish: Hope Pinna”) and “Cam Balık’ın Yolculuğu: Deniz ve İnsan” (“The Journey of the Glass Fish: Sea and Human”) to attendees.

The closing speech of the event was delivered by Hamdi Erçelik, General Manager of Borusan Port, who also presented a commemorative plaque to Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı in recognition of his outstanding environmental contributions.

Committed to leaving a more livable world for future generations, Borusan Group continues to support awareness projects and field initiatives aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and preventing mucilage formation.