Turkey’s Green Heritage: The Importance of National Afforestation Day and New Goals
Turkey’s Journey to a Green Future
With National Reforestation Day on November 11, Turkey is taking steps towards a green future and aims to raise environmental awareness in society. On November 11, millions of saplings are planted across the country to raise environmental awareness. In the message issued by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, it was announced that this year’s theme is “Breath for the Future, Breath for Humanity”. This theme aims to draw attention to the tragedy in Palestine and injustices in other parts of the world. Erdoğan emphasized that these activities are important not only for protecting nature but also for raising environmental awareness in society.
Turkey’s Forest Asset and Afforestation Efforts
In recent years, Turkey has implemented important projects to increase its forest cover. The afforestation campaign launched across the country has made Turkey the leader in Europe and fourth in the world. More than 7 billion saplings were planted as part of these efforts. In Erdoğan’s words, these projects expand Turkey’s green areas and take important steps to leave a clean and livable environment for future generations. Turkey’s forest cover, which has increased to 23.4 million hectares, is among the successful results of these afforestation efforts.
Efforts to Raise Environmental Awareness for Young Generations
President Erdoğan stated that Turkey’s afforestation efforts are not only an environmental project but also a cultural heritage. In line with this understanding, every year November 11 is celebrated as National Afforestation Day in order to raise environmental awareness among young generations. “We belong to a civilization that says, ‘Plant the sapling in the ground even if you know that the apocalypse will come tomorrow,’” Erdoğan said, emphasizing the deep roots of environmental awareness and devotion to nature. The aim is to increase young people’s sensitivity to the environment through these activities and to raise future generations with an awareness of nature protection.
Support for Oppressed Geographies with the Theme “Breath for the Future, Breath for Humanity”
This year’s theme “Breath for the Future, Breath for Humanity” aims to raise awareness about the atrocities in Palestine and other parts of the world, in addition to afforestation efforts. Drawing attention to the ongoing tragedy in Palestine and the voices of the oppressed around the world, President Erdoğan stated that the saplings planted today will be seen as a symbol of sharing these sufferings. These saplings will keep alive the memory of people who lost their lives in many regions, especially in Palestine. This symbolic meaning reinforces the spiritual value of National Afforestation Day.
Call to All Citizens to Plant Saplings
In his message, President Erdoğan invited all citizens to plant saplings on this meaningful day. These sapling planting events, which will be held all over the country, are seen as an important opportunity for individuals to contribute to the environment and take responsibility for protecting nature. Erdoğan thanked all citizens who will participate in the event and emphasized that this joint effort will make Turkey a greener country.
The Struggle to Protect Forests
President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of the fight against forest fires by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the General Directorate of Forestry and all other relevant organizations. Mr. Erdoğan congratulated all volunteers and officials working for the protection of nature and the enrichment of green areas, and thanked everyone working day and night to protect the Green Homeland. With these reforestation efforts, Turkey looks to the future with more hope and continues to take strong steps to protect nature.
