A recent fire incident in Kayseri, Turkey, has brought the nation's forest health into the spotlight. Over the past two decades, Turkey has experienced significant fluctuations in tree cover loss, with the most substantial loss recorded in 2021 at 79,284 hectares. This figure represents an alarming increase from the 22,910 hectares lost in 2001. The primary drivers of this loss have been identified as forestry activities, which accounted for the majority of the tree cover loss, and shifting agriculture.
Despite these challenges, Turkey has seen a net gain in tree cover over the years. The country's net change in tree cover shows a positive balance of 88,766 hectares, indicating a recovery trend with a 0.65% change in tree cover. However, the latest fire incident, although isolated, serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats to Turkey's forests. The country's tree cover extent stands at over 10 million hectares, which is a significant portion of its total land area of approximately 78 million hectares.
Explore country profileThe impact of these losses goes beyond the immediate environmental damage. The total CO2e gross emissions resulting from tree cover loss in 2022 alone amounted to over 16 million metric tons, highlighting the broader implications for climate change and air quality.
As Turkey continues to manage its forest resources, the recent fire incident in Kayseri underscores the need for sustained vigilance and proactive measures to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.
