In a recent development, Turkey has experienced a fire incident in the region of Hatay, sparking attention towards the country's forest health. Over the past two decades, Turkey has seen significant fluctuations in tree cover loss, with the highest recorded loss in 2021 at 79,284 hectares. This accounts for a substantial increase compared to the 22,910 hectares lost in 2001. The primary drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as forestry activities and shifting agriculture, contributing to the majority of the deforestation.
Despite the challenges, Turkey has also witnessed tree cover gains, with a net positive change of approximately 88,766 hectares when accounting for both losses and gains. This represents a slight increase of 0.65% in tree cover over the years. Urbanization has also played a role, although to a lesser extent, in the loss of tree cover.
Explore country profileThe latest fire alert in Hatay serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats to Turkey's forests. With the country's tree cover extent standing at over 10 million hectares, the health of these forests is critical to biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of local communities. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect and sustain Turkey's natural heritage.
