Turkey expands conservation forest areas to 258,387 hectares

The General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), under Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has increased the number of conservation forests from 55 to 60. This expansion has added approximately 12,000 hectares to the protected areas, raising the total coverage from 246,446 hectares to 258,387 hectares.

These conservation efforts aim to protect existing forest ecosystems, maintain biological diversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change, including drought and desertification. The initiative aligns with Turkey's '2053 Net Zero Emission' and 'Green Development' goals. The protected forests play a vital role in preserving water resources, preventing erosion, reducing flood risks, and supporting wildlife habitats.