Turkey, forestry and Antalya

Turkish forests

In Turkey, forests are generally located on mountainous areas and they are usually natural and semi-natural with high biodiversity value. The country has 9000 plant species of which 3000 are endemic. Most of these plants are located in forest areas. Deciduous forests are prevalent and relatively uninterrupted at moderate elevations along northern Turkey. Coniferous forests, depending on the species and locations, are found at varying altitudes from sea level to the timber line. Forest formations of the country include species belonging to different floristic regions, namely Irano-Turanion, Mediterranean and Euro-Siberian. Approximately 800 woody taxa occur in the country's forests. The predominant species are Pinus brutia, Pinus nigra, Pinus silvestris, Abies spp. ( A. cilicica, A. nordmannia, A. equi-trojani are unique), Picea orientalis, Cedrus libani, Juniperus spp., Pinus, pinea, Cupressus sempervirens, Pinus halepensis, Fagus orientalis, Quercus spp., Alnus spp., Castanea sativa, Carpinus betulus. The forests in Turkey are also home to most of 120 mammals, 454 birds and 93 reptiles found in the country. 

Forest Resources in Turkey in numbers

Financial Frame and Economy

The share of the forestry sector in the gross national product (GNP) is shown at official statistics as 0,9 %. It is estimated that if undeclared firewood consumption and private sector wood production are included in calculations would increase this to 1.8 %. Additionally, value-adding secondary forest products (grasses, leaves, mushrooms, pine nuts, thyme, licorice, sage, nutgall, sumac, acorns, etc.) and recreation services sector could increase absolute product values. This calculation does not include some significant contributions of forests resources such as amenity and recreation, protection of soil and water resources.
Forest Research is one of the deep rooted institutions in forestry, with the presence of 11 units all around the country. They are connected to the Research and Development Department of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MEF). Some of these institutions deal with specific issues such as fast growing species, seed and soil.

Cross Sectoral Relations

Tourism is one of the fastest developing sectors in Turkey. Most of the tourism areas are located in forested areas and forests increase the value of the sea sides in terms of tourism. Relations between the two sectors have usually been as allocation of forest lands for tourism purposes. So far 1607 ha of forest land have been allocated for 111 tourism investments. Ecotourism is the one of the areas that forestry and tourism could cooperate.

Civil Societies

Civil societies are growing more effectively. The biggest stakeholder, Forest Villagers Cooperative (ORKOOP), is the most effective one. There over 2900 cooperatives with 290.000 members all around the country, they are also represented by a union in Ankara. Most of the harvesting operations are carried out by these cooperatives. Forest villages and cooperatives receive some concessions in forestry.
Among the non-profit organizations TEMA, DHKV, TTKD, TOD, i.a.  are strengthening their positions and taking role almost in each forestry event. They have different contributions and most of the recent projects are carried out in cooperation with NGOs. Forestry faculties also constitute important elements of forestry institutional structure. They play effective consultative role particularly in technical matters as well as in administrative and policy issues.
The Chamber of Forest Engineers has very prestigious position in forestry community. The Chamber is not directly involved in forestry activities, but it rather focuses on the problems and issues of foresters and has a say in other managerial decisions. The chamber’s monthly periodical reaches all of the forestry units even at the remotest part of the country.
Finally the forest industry is another important dimension of the forestry institutional frame. Until recently the industry had no effective role in the management of forests and related policies. But recently, parallel to the economical development of the country, the forest industry as well is being more and more interested in forestry issues.

Forest Fires & Preventing and Combating

Most of the forests in Turkey are located in fire sensitive areas and wildfires are prime concern of the public. Therefore General Directorate of Forestry allocates most of its resources -capital and human- to forest fire management. For the last ten years, yearly average number of forest fires is 1915, and yearly average burned area is 9.526 ha. Fire investigations show that most of the causes are human rooted, being the share of the natural causes in forest fires negligible. 

Pests and Diseases

There are about 50 harmful insects that affect 2 million ha of forest in Turkey. Particularly spruce forests in the East Blacksea Cost are suffering from bark beetles. Among them, Dendroctanus micans, Ips typographus and Ips sexdentatus are most harmful. Within the last six years 2,1 million ha of forest land has been hit by pests and diseases, resulting in 1.900.000 m³ wood loss.
GDF continuously monitors pests and diseases and combats on 500.000-800.000 ha infected area each year, through mechanic, chemical, bio- technique and biological methods.

Aforestation and Erosion Control

Coniferous species have almost completely dominated plantation implementations for long periods; but from the beginning of 1980’s, planting of suitable broadleaved species on certain proportions of the available sites was accepted.
Since 1950 a total of 1.887.927 ha area has been aforested and 100.000 ha range has been improved. The MEF manages 76 nurseries all over the country with the 200-300 million annual seedling productions, 165 seed orchards and 338 seed stands are producing quality seedlings.
The recent policy is to encourage private nursery activities and various incentives have been provided for entrepreneurs to invest in seedling production. 
The MEF is responsible for controlling erosion and stabilizing sand dunes. The erosion control activities have reached 542.485 ha. And finally in 32 provinces a total of 132.000 ha of green belt established around the cities.

Forest Management Planning 

All forests are managed according to management plans. Since the first management plan in 1917, the planning system has evolved in terms of techniques used.
But the forest management plans have been traditionally wood production oriented; however the GDF has declared to initiate functional planning. Experimentations and studies with faculty staff are expanding the works.

Source: Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry, General Directorate of Forestry

Antalya

Because of the archaeological and natural riches of the area, Antalya is also known as the Turkish Riviera. The sun, sea, nature and history combine to form a very popular resort, highlighted by some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean. The 630km shoreline of the province is liberally scattered with ancient cities, harbours, memorial tombs and beaches, secluded coves and lush forests, many of which are easily accessible from the city.
With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist centre in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, like international beach volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions. The Cultural Centre, which opened in 1995, hosts cultural and art events in the fields of music, theatre, and creative arts. The main area of interest in the city is central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many good museums.
Antalya is also riche in terms of flora and fauna depending on the climate and topografical variation. 54% of total surface is covered by forests and there are many national parks and protected areas.