dw.com
Turkey's Forest Fires: Reforestation vs. Development
Despite legal mandates for reforestation, concerns remain in Turkey regarding the repurposing of fire-damaged forestland for development, particularly after the extensive 2021 fires that destroyed 140,000 hectares.
- What are some specific instances where post-fire forestland has been used for purposes other than reforestation?
- In Bodrum's Güvercinlik Cove, a hotel was built on a previously burned area; however, the permit was granted before the fire. In Izmir's Bayrakli, a 375-hectare area was removed from forest boundaries via a presidential decree, although the process began before the 2024 fires. These cases illustrate loopholes, not direct post-fire repurposing.
- What is the legal framework regarding the use of forestland after wildfires in Turkey, and how is it being implemented?
- Turkey's Constitution mandates reforestation of burned forestland, prohibiting alternative uses. The General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) consistently reports maintaining the forest status of burned areas and canceling permits issued before the fires. However, exceptions exist due to pre-existing permits and legal loopholes.
- What are the broader implications of the permitting process for Turkey's forests, and how does it compare to the area lost to fires?
- Between 1982 and 2024, approximately 933,000 hectares of forestland were granted permits for various uses, exceeding the 351,000 hectares burned during the same period. This extensive permitting, facilitated by laws allowing for activities such as mining and tourism development, undermines reforestation efforts and raises concerns about long-term forest sustainability.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view by presenting arguments from various stakeholders, including government agencies and experts. However, the headline and introduction could be improved to reflect the broader context of forest management practices beyond just post-fire land use.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The author uses quotes from experts and avoids emotionally charged language. However, phrases like "yangından da beter" (worse than the fire) could be considered slightly loaded.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a detailed analysis, it could benefit from including data on the total area of forests lost due to reasons other than fire (e.g., deforestation for agriculture or urbanization). This would give a more comprehensive picture of forest loss in Turkey.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the devastating effects of forest fires in Turkey, resulting in the loss of thousands of hectares of forestland. While official statements claim that burned areas retain their forest status, the article presents evidence suggesting that some areas are repurposed for development, such as hotels and housing, despite legal protections. This contradicts the aim of SDG 15 (Life on Land) which seeks to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. The loss of forestland due to fires and subsequent development directly undermines these efforts.