Istanbul Forest Innovation Week focuses on advanced firefighting technology

The Istanbul Forest Innovation Week has commenced with focused discussions on sophisticated firefighting technologies and comprehensive forest management approaches. The international gathering brings together scientists, industry specialists, and governmental representatives to develop innovative solutions for global forestry challenges amid increasing climate-related threats.

International Collaboration and Scope

Organized by Türkiye's General Directorate of Forestry in partnership with the UN Forest Forum and Food and Agriculture Organization, the event spans five days with participation from 75 nations and 30 international organizations. The conference serves as a significant platform for shaping worldwide forestry policies, with Anadolu Agency serving as global communication partner for the 2025 proceedings.

Expert Perspectives and Climate Challenges

Turkish Forestry Director Bekir Karacabey emphasized the tangible outcomes expected from the thematic discussions, noting that implementation would determine their ultimate value. He acknowledged that while climate change impacts are increasingly evident, sufficient countermeasures remain underdeveloped, urging collective action from global forestry professionals to address environmental challenges effectively.

Technological Innovations and Human Factors

David J. Ganz of RECOFTC highlighted the critical role of community-focused approaches alongside technological advancements, noting that human activity causes most fires and therefore requires human-driven solutions. The conference featured presentations on satellite monitoring systems from the Earth Fire Alliance and artificial intelligence applications developed through collaboration between Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and the Forestry Directorate.

Training Simulators and Practical Applications

Havelsan's Civil Aviation training systems program manager Mustafa Kilinc demonstrated forest firefighting simulators that provide cost-effective training environments where personnel can learn from mistakes without real-world consequences. These simulation technologies enable widespread training opportunities while reducing the risks and expenses associated with live firefighting exercises.