The primary drivers of tree cover loss in Turkey have been identified as forestry activities and shifting agriculture, with the latter accounting for a significant portion of the losses. Urbanization also contributed to the decline, albeit to a lesser extent. The absence of data on wildfires as a driver in the historical records does not diminish the potential impact they may have on future forest health.
The incident in Sivas serves as a reminder of the persistent threats to Turkey's forests. While the net gain in tree cover is a positive sign, the ongoing loss due to various drivers, including the risk of fires, underscores the need for continued vigilance and sustainable forest management practices.
