The full text of the message is as follows:

Nature is a living being that has been entrusted to people as a divine manifestation.

It is an obligation rather than a choice for humanity to protect nature with all its elements.

The developments that have been occurred in industry and technology across the world especially over the past two centuries have brought about changes as well in the relation and understanding between nature and man.

Unlimited consumption and the mindset aimed at dominating nature do the biggest harm to people, the environment, and the future.

Sea pollution, the drying of water resources, the decreasing forestlands, and soil infertility across the world pose a threat to us all.

Therefore, our perspective on nature, environment, and life should be adjusted for a livable world.

Environmental protection is the common issue of all individuals, all countries, and the entire humanity.

In this regard, it is of importance to act with an environment-friendly understanding based on modesty. 

Otherwise, there will be no solution to such global problems as environmental disasters, pollution, pandemics, famine, and poverty.

Just like the protection and improvement of the ecosystem, repairing the occurred damage should be one of the important steps to be taken.

As Turkey we play a leading role in the works put in to protect nature, prevent environmental pollution, and raise environmental awareness.

We attach special importance to projects carried out with an environment-friendly approach for planned urbanization and afforestation campaigns and to protect our natural assets and prevent environmental pollution.

Turkey, the world leader in the fight against erosion, is one of the rare countries that have increased their forestlands.

We have increased the afforestation area from 3.6 million hectares to 9.2 million hectares and our forestland from 20.8 million hectares to 22.9 million hectares over the past 19 years.

Within our goal of reaching 81 million square meters of People’s Gardens in our 81 provinces until 2023, we have thus far put 61 People’s Gardens of ours at our citizens’ disposal. While works in 324 People’s Gardens continue, we have increased the number of our natural parks from 17 to 250.

We have raised our renewable energy level to 40 percent of our total energy production and increased the number of wastewater treatment plants from 145 to 1,170.

We have increased the number of our Blue Flag beaches from 127 to 519, preserving our leading position in this area.

In addition to the value created by these projects for the environment, I am more than happy for the increasing environmental awareness of our citizens, children, and youth.

We will continue our works to create a more livable and cleaner environment for both our country and the world.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, I call on everyone to be sensitive to the protection of the environment and of our natural richness, and greet all of our citizens from the bottom of my heart.” (ILKHA)