TURKEY'S GREEN HOMELAND: ERDOGAN URGES PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Turkish President Erdogan pledges to safeguard the forests of the "green homeland"
In a rally held in Ankara on June 2nd, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of preserving Turkey's forests, describing them as "a vital 'green homeland'" and a national security priority.
"We have been tirelessly working for the preservation and beautification of nature to pass it down to our children, and we shall continue to do so with resilience," Erdoğan stated, emphasizing the need to protect and develop forest resources to their utmost potential.
As of now, Turkey's forests sprawl over 23.4 million hectares, accounting for approximately 30% of the country's land area. Forests are viewed as one of Turkey's greatest assets, but they face increasing threats from escalating temperatures and droughts.
Speaking on the increasing frequency and destructiveness of wildfires, Erdoğan noted the associated economic losses, long-term damage, and environmental impacts. The president dismisses allegations that burned forest areas are being repurposed for construction or other projects as baseless and malicious slander.
To combat these challenges, the Turkish government has taken decisive steps. The country's fleet for firefighting includes 27 air planes and 105 helicopters, and 4,296 fire ponds and pools have been constructed to facilitate rapid water access for aircraft. The personnel working in forestry services has also been bolstered with the recruitment of 8,500 additional workers.
Criticizing opposition municipalities, Erdoğan calls for their spending on advertisements and shows to be redirected towards forest fire prevention. He believes that resources should be used efficiently and effectively, pointing out the importance of regional development and support for forest villages, which benefits over 285,000 families.
The "Breath for the Future" campaign, launched two decades ago, has seen over 7.5 billion saplings planted[1]. Forest regeneration is a top priority, with efforts being intensified in areas damaged by fires, with a goal to complete these efforts by the end of the following year.
Rejecting misinformation, Erdoğan insists that the government is committed to presenting accurate information to support firefighters and other environmental efforts. The government offers support to forest villages by promoting economic opportunities with productive species like walnuts, almonds, and lavender[1]. In addition, the state offers zero-interest loans and grant support to villagers, greatly benefiting over 230 cooperatives and 285,000 families to the tune of TL 35 billion ($893,481.75)[1].
[1] Enrichment Data:As highlighted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has been actively engaged in several initiatives to protect and develop its forests. Some of the key measures include:
- Forest Expansion and Planting:
- The total forest area in Turkey has increased from 20.8 million hectares in 2002 to 23.4 million hectares today, covering 30% of the country's total surface area.
- Under the "Breath for the Future" campaign, over 7.5 billion saplings have been planted.
- Forest Regeneration and Fire Prevention:
- Forest regeneration efforts are prioritized, especially in areas damaged by fires, with a goal to complete these efforts by the end of the following year.
- Emphasis is placed on preventing forest fires, with calls for national vigilance and personal responsibility during high-risk periods.
- Economic Development in Forest Areas:
- The government has supported planting productive species like walnuts, almonds, and lavender to boost economic opportunities in forest villages.
- The state offers zero-interest loans and grant support to villagers, benefiting over 285,000 families and more than 230 cooperatives with a total of TL 35 billion ($893,481.75) over the past two decades.
- Addressing Misinformation:
- President Erdoğan has condemned misleading images circulating after wildfires, emphasizing the need for accurate information and public support for firefighters.
- In response to concerns about climate change and its impact on Turkey's forests, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has delineated the role of environmental science in mitigating these effects, stressing the importance of sustainable forest management and regeneration as part of Turkey's climate-change strategy.
- As politics and global coverage often focus on Turkey's political climate, general-news outlets are encouraged to highlight the nation's efforts in environmental-science and forest conservation, ensuring accurate reporting and public awareness of these critical initiatives in protecting and developing Turkey's forests for future generations.
