Eastern Anatolia implements high-tech forest protection

Authorities in Eastern Anatolia are implementing intensive measures to protect 655,000 hectares of forest across the provinces of Erzurum, Erzincan, Kars, Ardahan, Ağrı, and Iğdır. The strategy focuses on prevention, early warning, and rapid response to mitigate fire risks and protect local wildlife, including brown bears, lynx, wolves, and deer.

To enhance surveillance, teams are utilizing advanced technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, camera traps, and high-resolution binoculars from observation towers. Field personnel also conduct ground patrols and clear flammable organic and synthetic waste from roadsides and dense forest areas.

Serkan Karakurt, Erzurum Forest Regional Director, noted that approximately 90 percent of forest fires are caused by human negligence, such as unextinguished picnic fires, stubble burning, and sparks from welding or garden cleaning. He emphasized that due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, there is no longer a specific season for forest fires. In addition to fire prevention, the region is being monitored for pests, diseases, and illegal activities.