Bio-diversity

Forests are key habitats for humans and the continuation of ecological cycles. However, forests and hence the ecological services they provide are under severe threat. This problem can be handled through realizing the sustainable forestry approaches. General Directorate of Forestry in Turkey has changed the production focus into Multi-Function Forest Management Planning Approach with the legislation put into operation in 2000. Integrating biodiversity values into forest management plans is one of the key elements of this new approach. However, achieving this goal is not easy. In Turkey, previous work on this issue was costly and thus not replicable throughout all country. Do a Koruma Merkezi (Nature Conservation Centre), starting from this point and in collaboration with the General Directorate of Forestry, has constructed an infrastructure for this purpose. Two different guidelines will be published before the end of 2011 for this aim and will be put into operation accordingly by OGM with an appropriate legislative tool. However, the biggest barrier in front of this system is the lack of replicable examples and the capacity gaps at OGM staff. This project presented to GEF SGP has been designed to fill this key gap. Within this project, biodiversity values, zones and management activities to be integrated with management plan of Torul Forests of G m hane will be determined. All these activities will be undertaken with the active participation of OGM experts and decision makers; and local and central personnel of OGM will be trained accordingly.

Turkey