Forest Cleaning Event in Mersin

As part of the ‘Forest is Mine’ campaign in Mersin, soldiers and police officers supported students cleaning up in the forested area. Within the framework of the ‘Forest is Mine’ campaign held simultaneously in all 81 provinces of Turkey, waste that could cause a forest fire was collected with the participation of Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan in the Kuyuluk Neighborhood of Mezitli district. The cleaning work, which was carried out with the participation of students from various schools, was supported by soldiers and police officers.

Governor Pehlivan’s Warnings

Speaking at the event where Forest Regional Directorate teams were also present, Governor Pehlivan stated that extreme temperatures occur worldwide due to climate change, which increases the risk of fires. Pehlivan mentioned that according to statistics, 87% of forest fires are caused by humans and added, ‘When you also consider global warming and excessively hot weather, no matter how intensive your technical capabilities are in terms of intervention from the air, land, whether it be machinery equipment or personnel, day by day, the possibilities of intervention are increasing, yet these fires that occur are characterized as mega fires by our foresters. Very large fires can occur. Therefore, we need to take precautions before fires break out.’

Precautions Against Forest Fires

Pointing out that one of the best methods against forest fires is to eliminate factors that could cause fires, Pehlivan explained what should be done to combat forest fires.

‘Mersin’s forest area is approximately 53% of its surface area. Providing warnings and advice to children, Pehlivan stated, ‘As Mersin, our forest area is approximately 53% of our 16 thousand square kilometers. That is, more than half of our surface area is covered with forests. 57% of these forests are easily flammable red pine forests. Therefore, our sensitivity increases even more. Although our forest assets are abundant, the presence of easily flammable trees such as Red Pine within our forest assets requires us to be even more sensitive, dear children. We are now in May, about to enter the summer season. Temperatures have increased, are increasing. We need to be very sensitive. Once again, we invite all our citizens, all our fellow citizens to act with maximum sensitivity and awareness regarding forests.’

Statements by Forest Regional Director Yalçın

Mustafa Yalçın, the Regional Director of Forests in Mersin, stated that forests are a common value for all people. Yalçın pointed out that in recent years, green areas and forests have been negatively affected by global warming and climate change. ‘Fires are one of the incidents that negatively affect forested areas. We take all necessary precautions and measures in our responsibility areas during the fire season. Today, we will carry out the activity of reducing the flammable material on the roadside, which is one of the factors that cause fires. Our students will collect garbage, our citizens will support. We will also take preventive measures by pruning lower branches to prevent the fire from reaching the top of the tree,’ he said.

Following the speeches, students cleaned up in the forested area with the participation of Governor Pehlivan, collecting the garbage. Forest Regional Directorate teams also carried out lower branch pruning. The collected garbage was transported by tractors.