Turkey proposes Antalya as international forest fire coordination hub

At the 28th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO 28) held by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Turkey proposed using the International Forestry Training Center in Antalya as an international coordination hub for managing major forest fires within the Mediterranean climate zone.

General Director of Forestry Bekir Karacabey highlighted Turkey's significant progress in forest conservation, noting that the country's forest cover now accounts for 30% of its land area. According to FAO reports, Turkey ranks fourth globally in terms of increasing forest assets, with 23.4 million hectares. Karacabey also stated that Turkey ranks first in Europe and third globally in reforestation efforts.

During the session, discussions focused on forest fire combat, sustainability, and the impact of forest ecosystems on public health and food security. Karacabey expressed Turkey's readiness to share its forestry expertise, which dates back to 1839, with FAO member nations.