Within the framework of the “Mavi Nefes (Blue Breath)” project carried out in cooperation with Garanti BBVA and TURMEPA, the marine surface-cleaning vessel “Ahtapot 6” was brought to the Lake Van to clean the lake’s surface, arriving in the Tatvan district of Bitlis.
As part of its sustainability strategy that prioritizes the fight against the climate crisis, Garanti BBVA launched the Mavi Nefes project in 2021 in cooperation with TURMEPA to reduce and prevent marine pollution in the Marmara Sea. This time, the project has extended to eastern Türkiye, reaching Lake Van. To address pollution in and around the lake, the Ahtapot 6 marine cleaning vessel will operate on Lake Van for 12 months. Alongside reducing water pollution and contributing to the protection of biodiversity, the project also aims to raise environmental awareness among local communities.
The Ahtapot 6 vessel, brought to Tatvan, was launched from the district’s shoreline, drawing significant public interest. With this step, Lake Van became the third region reached by the Mavi Nefes project. Commenting on the initiative, Mehmet Emin Geylani, Mayor of Tatvan, said:
“About four years ago, with the support of Emine Erdoğan and our Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, a cleaning effort was launched in Lake Van within the scope of this project. Dredging operations began in Van in 2021 and continued in our district, Tatvan, in 2022. Within this framework, the collaboration between Garanti BBVA and TURMEPA has provided significant support. The Ahtapot 6 vessel will complement our dredging efforts by performing surface cleaning on Lake Van. Together with our partner institutions, as Tatvan Municipality, we aim to restore Lake Van to its former blue.”
