RATIONALE FOR “REFORESTTURKEY” AND MISSION STATEMENT
BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM STATEMENT
In recent years, Turkey’s coastal regions have experienced a marked increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires, a trend closely associated with the intensification of hot and dry summer conditions. According to the Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, a total of 77 wildfires were reported on a single day—June 29—with nine classified as large-scale blazes. This alarming statistic underscores the growing vulnerability of Turkey’s forests to wildfire events.
The International Association of Wildland Fire reports that approximately 28% of Turkey’s land area is forested, and forest fires are a recurrent phenomenon. Over the past eight years, Turkey has averaged nearly 2,500 forest fires annually, resulting in the burning of approximately 17,000 acres (~7,000 hectares) each year. On average, each fire affects about 7 acres (2.8 hectares). While 11% of these fires are attributed to lightning strikes, the remaining 89% are human-induced, with the specific cause remaining unidentified in 60% of cases. The economic burden of fire suppression is substantial, with costs reaching $131 million (USD) in 2018 alone. The Mediterranean climate zones in the south and west of the country are identified as the areas of greatest risk.
Recent satellite data, accessible via https://afetharitasi.org/ (accessed July 24, 2025), corroborate the persistence of active fires, particularly in the Eskisehir and Bursa provinces (source:
Accordingly, ongoing fires can be seen particularly in the Eskisehir-Bursa provinces.
RATIONALE FOR “REFORESTTURKEY” AND MISSION STATEMENT
BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM STATEMENT
In recent years, Turkey’s coastal regions have experienced a marked increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires, a trend closely associated with the intensification of hot and dry summer conditions. According to the Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, a total of 77 wildfires were reported on a single day—June 29—with nine classified as large-scale blazes. This alarming statistic underscores the growing vulnerability of Turkey’s forests to wildfire events.
The International Association of Wildland Fire reports that approximately 28% of Turkey’s land area is forested, and forest fires are a recurrent phenomenon. Over the past eight years, Turkey has averaged nearly 2,500 forest fires annually, resulting in the burning of approximately 17,000 acres (~7,000 hectares) each year. On average, each fire affects about 7 acres (2.8 hectares). While 11% of these fires are attributed to lightning strikes, the remaining 89% are human-induced, with the specific cause remaining unidentified in 60% of cases. The economic burden of fire suppression is substantial, with costs reaching $131 million (USD) in 2018 alone. The Mediterranean climate zones in the south and west of the country are identified as the areas of greatest risk.
Recent satellite data, accessible via https://afetharitasi.org/ (accessed July 24, 2025), corroborate the persistence of active fires, particularly in the Eskisehir and Bursa provinces (source:
Accordingly, ongoing fires can be seen particularly in the Eskisehir-Bursa provinces.
National fire risk maps further illustrate that a significant portion of the country is classified as “very high risk” for wildfire occurrence.
Ecological and Societal Implications
The loss of forest cover has profound ecological consequences, encapsulated in the phrase: “No forest, no water, no life.” Forests play a critical role in maintaining hydrological cycles, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining ecosystem services essential for human well-being. The degradation of these ecosystems due to recurrent fires threatens water resources, soil stability, and the overall resilience of natural habitats.
Current Interventions and Gaps
In response to these challenges, Turkey has implemented a range of interventions, including fire training programs, scientific exchange meetings focused on fire ecology, fire management planning, post-fire tree mortality modeling, and restoration planning. These efforts aim to re-establish and maintain healthy forest ecosystems. However, governmental initiatives alone are insufficient to address the scale of reforestation required.
The Role of Social Welfare Organizations
Social welfare organizations are recognized as critical partners in supporting governmental reforestation efforts. The mission of “Reforestturkey” is to mobilize resources and public support for the TEMA Foundation (Turkish Foundation for Combating Erosion, Reforestation, and the Protection of Natural Habitats), which has already launched a national afforestation campaign (https://www.tema.org.tr/). By facilitating fundraising and public engagement, “Reforestturkey” seeks to enhance the capacity for large-scale restoration and long-term forest management.
Regional and Global Context
The wildfire crisis in Turkey is not an isolated phenomenon. During the summer, similar reports of widespread wildfires have emerged from southern Europe, including France, Greece, and Portugal, where temperatures have exceeded 40°C (104°F). These events are likely linked to broader patterns of climate change, which are increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across the Mediterranean basin.
Trends and Data
Statistical data further illustrate the escalating impact of wildfires in Turkey. According to Statista (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264713/area-burned-by-wildfire-in-turkey/), the area affected by wildfires has shown a concerning upward trend from 2009 to 2024, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated reforestation and fire management strategies.
In summary, the mission of “Reforestturkey” is grounded in the urgent need to address the escalating wildfire crisis in Turkey through collaborative, science-based, and community-driven reforestation initiatives. By supporting the TEMA Foundation and fostering public engagement, the initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes, enhance ecosystem resilience, and contribute to the broader fight against climate change-induced environmental challenges.