• TUI Sea the Change Türkiye protects and restores 200,000 square metres of critical coastal and marine habitat for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal

• Initiative engages tourism businesses, local communities, children and tourists in responsible marine conservation actions

• Programme is launched as part of TUI Care Foundation’s Marine May, which emphasises the importance of marine conservation

Building on the results of TUI Sea the Change Türkiye, launched in 2024, the TUI Care Foundation, in partnership with the Mediterranean Conservation Society (Akdeniz Koruma Derneği), has initiated a second project phase to scale up marine protection and restoration efforts. The first phase established a strong foundation through improved cave monitoring, close cooperation with tourism businesses and wide-ranging awareness-raising activities that reached local communities, tourists and schools, training more than 700 people in marine conservation. The new phase now focuses on deepening habitat protection and expanding engagement with tourism stakeholders, communities and visitors across the project area.

The project protects and restores approximately 200,000 square metres of coastal and marine habitat critical for monk seals and Mediterranean seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) along the coastline from Fethiye–Göcek to Kaş. Monk seal monitoring continues in key coastal caves using camera-based systems and is expanded through acoustic monitoring, combining visual data and underwater sound recordings to better understand seal behaviour and habitat use. In parallel, the Sarıgerme seagrass monitoring station continues biannual assessments, while detailed mapping and restoration activities in Aşı Bay address damage caused by anchoring. Regular patrols and surveillance further support habitat protection, alongside advocacy efforts to contribute to the future designation of Sarıgerme–Aşı Bay as an official Marine Protected Area.

Tourism sector engagement remains a core pillar of the project. Working with 20 tourism-related organisations, including hotels, marinas and boat operators, the initiative promotes conservation-friendly practices. The Conservation-Friendly Boats programme is expanded to reduce underwater noise, limit disturbance near monk seal habitats and prevent anchor damage to seagrass meadows, supporting more responsible marine tourism along the coast. The project also explores opportunities to integrate marine conservation experiences into tourism offerings.

Education and awareness-raising activities target both residents and visitors. 245 local people receive training in marine conservation, strengthening local capacity to protect sensitive ecosystems. An estimated 4,000 tourists are engaged through sustainable tourism experiences, including the promotion of low-impact activities such as kayaking to observe seagrass meadows, helping visitors to better understand the value of marine habitats. A dedicated children’s programme introduces an educational card game on the Mediterranean marine ecosystem, highlighting endangered species and key habitats, while hotel-based awareness activities focus on seagrass meadows and Mediterranean monk seals. In parallel, 600 schoolchildren participate in educational workshops delivered through schools, festivals and community events across the project area.

By linking science-based conservation with tourism engagement and education, TUI Sea the Change Türkiye demonstrates how tourism can actively contribute to marine protection rather than place additional pressure on fragile ecosystems. The project supports the long-term survival of the Mediterranean monk seal, strengthens the protection of vital coastal habitats and promotes responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities and destinations.

TUI Sea the Change Türkiye is part of the international TUI Sea the Change programme, which protects and preserves the marine environment in tourism destinations such as Mallorca, Mozambique and Indonesia.

The TUI Care Foundation’s ‘Marine May’ is a month of activities dedicated to ocean preservation. Through a series of project launches and educational activities, it emphasises the importance of sustainable practices to safeguard marine ecosystems for local communities and generations to come.