A ‘Laurel Grove’ is being established on 30 acres in Mersin.

In the Toroslar district of Mersin, a ‘Laurel Grove’ covering 30 acres is being established within the framework of the ‘Take Action for Climate Change Adaptation’ project. During the organized event ‘A Seedling for the Future,’ participants planted saplings in the 30-acre grove alongside students.

Under the Climate Change Adaptation Grant Program, which is an EU Project funded by the Metropolitan Municipality, seedlings were planted in the Laurel Grove created in the Korukent neighborhood in cooperation with the Metropolitan Municipality and the Toroslar Municipality. Participants planted 350 laurel saplings, along with 120 spreading junipers, 100 Ligustrum, 75 maple, and 30 rubber saplings in the grove.

“We are creating areas where the public can breathe”
Metropolitan Municipality Council Member Hamit Mert Avcı stated at the ceremony, “Shoulder to shoulder, we are creating areas where the public can breathe. These areas are not only selected for the convenience of daily transportation for the public. We are also trying to create carbon sink areas around them. The economic crisis may be a problem of today; however, the ecological crisis is a problem for today, 10 years from now, and even 100 years ahead.” Highlighting the ecological and economic value of laurel trees, Avcı said, “Opening breathing spaces for the public is not only our priority for sustainable municipal services and a healthy human life.”

“Every sapling we plant is an investment for a nature-friendly future”
Dr. Bülent Halisdemir, Head of the Environmental Protection and Control Department and Project Coordinator of the Metropolitan Municipality, also stated that their duty is to reduce the negative impacts of climate change, adapt, and create a resilient city. Halisdemir noted, “The laurel grove goes beyond tree planting; it is a strong step we are taking to adapt to climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and create carbon sinks for a more livable environment. Thanks to the carbon retention capacity of the trees planted in the grove, it will support us in creating an environmentally friendly area that will provide clean air, natural shade, and a healthy ecosystem for our city in the future. With our afforestation efforts, we also aim to spread love for nature and environmental awareness. Every sapling we plant is a hope for our future, an investment for a nature-friendly future.”