In celebration of "Türkiye Environment Week," held during the first week of June, and "World Environment Day" on June 5, Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Environmental Problems Application and Research Center (ÇEVSAM), the Environmental Engineering Department, and the Environmental Community organized a photography contest titled "Samsun’s Environmental Issues Through the Lenses of Our Youth."
This year, the theme of "Türkiye Environment Week" was "We All Have One World." Students from OMU Foundation College and OMU Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School (MTAL) drew attention to environmental issues in Samsun through their photographs.
The award program for the "Samsun’s Environmental Issues Through the Lenses of Our Youth" photography contest was held at the Faculty of Engineering Conference Hall. During the program, prizes and certificates of achievement were presented to the students who ranked in the competition.
The event was attended by ÇEVSAM Director Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan, Head of the Environmental Engineering Department Prof. Dr. Feryal Akbal, ÇEVSAM Deputy Director Assoc. Dr. Hülya Aykaç Özen, faculty members, Samsun Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Nature Conservation Affairs Branch Manager Metin Alkan, Environmental Management and Inspection Branch Manager Sonay Gümüş, OMU MTAL Deputy Principal Semih Sözen, university students, and students from OMU Foundation College and OMU MTAL.
In her opening speech, ÇEVSAM Director Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan emphasized the risks posed by global climate change and human-induced pollution, stating, "Global warming-induced climate changes, rapid population growth, waste discarded carelessly into nature, plastic products, unhealthy urbanization, rapid economic development, and many other factors are causing air, water, and soil pollution. These issues disrupt the world's natural balance and threaten the future of humanity and natural life. Unfortunately, this careless pollution has reached global dimensions. The most valuable legacy we can leave to future generations is a livable world. Everyone has the right to live in a healthy, balanced natural environment. Everyone must understand that nature does not need humanity to survive, but humanity needs nature to continue living. Therefore, everyone has a duty to protect the environment."
Following this, the Head of the Environmental Engineering Department, Prof. Dr. Feryal Akbal, explained the significance of World Environment Day, stating, "World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, was established during the United Nations Environment Conference held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. Since then, it has been observed worldwide to raise awareness and take action to protect the environment. This meaningful day focuses on issues such as conserving natural resources, combating climate change, sustainability, and promoting eco-friendly habits. It offers an opportunity to leave a clean and healthy world for future generations. This year's theme is 'Action for Nature.' I believe the interest and participation of young generations in environmental issues is a hopeful sign for the future."
After the speeches, awards and certificates of achievement were presented to the students who excelled in the "Samsun’s Environmental Issues Through the Lenses of Our Youth" photography contest.
In the award program, the first prize was won by Görkem Bulut from OMU MTAL, the second prize by Beray Ada Göçer from OMU Foundation College, and the third prize by Denizhan Tuna from OMU MTAL. Görkem Bulut received his award from Metin Alkan and Sonay Gümüş, Beray Ada Göçer from Kerim Pehlivanoğlu of OMU Foundation College, and Denizhan Tuna from OMU MTAL Deputy Principal Semih Sözen.
Additionally, honorable mentions were awarded to OMU MTAL students Yiğit Efe Akın and Muhammed Yiğit Sevil, who received their awards from ÇEVSAM Deputy Director Assoc. Dr. Hülya Aykaç Özen.
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