Istanbul forest week puts bioeconomy and restoration in focus

Global forestry leaders and experts are convening in Istanbul for the ongoing Forest Innovation Week, a key platform co-organized by Türkiye's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with UN agencies. The conference is focusing on critical issues like developing a sustainable bioeconomy and restoring fire-affected Mediterranean forests, positioning Türkiye as a central player in shaping international environmental policy.

Türkiye's Bioeconomic Strategy

During panel discussions, UNFF President Ismail Belen outlined the practical application of bioeconomy principles in Türkiye, which boasts 24 million hectares of forest supporting seven million people. He highlighted the nation's $10 billion MDF export industry while noting the urgent challenge of developing drought-resistant tree species for Türkiye and Central Asia, where water scarcity threatens forest health.

Mediterranean Restoration and Carbon Goals

Another key panel addressed the restoration of Mediterranean forests, focusing on post-fire recovery and biodiversity enhancement. Turkish forestry officials detailed efforts to increase forest carbon absorption capacity as a climate change mitigation strategy. They emphasized the dual role of forests in carbon sequestration and food production, revealing a 32-fold increase in non-wood forest product output in recent years.

Income-Generating Reforestation Initiative

A significant national project involves planting income-generating trees on forest-quality lands to support rural communities. "We have planted over 32 million fruit-bearing forest tree saplings, including walnut and almond trees, to contribute to the income of people living in these areas," said a senior forestry official, demonstrating Türkiye's innovative approach to combining ecological restoration with economic development.