4 December 2023, Ankara – Experts from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan came together to see Turkey's work on combating land degradation and forest restoration on site within the scope of the “Forest Restoration Improvement for Environmental Development and Sustainability in Central Asia” (FRIENDS) project implemented under the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP).

A study tour was organized to learn about good practices implemented in Konya and Antalya within the scope of the FRIENDS project, which aims to present Turkey's experience and expertise in combating land degradation and forest restoration to the countries in the sub-region. 

During the first part of the study tour, nearly 30 participants observed the activities of Gözlü Agricultural Enterprise on combating wind erosion and then visited the Konya Soil, Water and Deserting Control Research Institute in Karapınar. After receiving the information from the institute officials about combating wind erosion, a field visit was carried out.

In the second part of the study tour, the participants went to the Manavgat district of Antalya, where they examined the innovative methods used in the reforestation of forest lands burned as a result of forest fires in 2008 and 2021. 

Under the project, which will last until 2025, for the restoration of degraded forests and other wooded areas it is planned to create pilot areas with the aim to identify degraded forests and other woodlands in need of restoration in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and increase gender-sensitive capacity and knowledge for the prevention of degradation and sustainable restoration of forests and other woodlands in these countries. The project also aims to improve national capacities to successfully carry out large-scale forest and other woodland restoration by enhancing technical knowledge on preventing land degradation. 

About the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes

The objectives of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes are to provide support to ensure food security, rural poverty reduction and sustainable forest management; combat desertification; and preserve ecosystems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and other countries of mutual interest. 

Established in 2007, the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP) has benefited from trust fund contributions totalling USD 10 million, financed by the Government of Türkiye and represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. During the first phase of the programme, 28 projects were implemented in 16 countries between 2009 and 2015. 

In 2014, Türkiye and FAO commenced the second phase of the FTPP along with the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP) with additional funding of USD 20 million, bringing Türkiye’s total contribution to USD 30 million.

LINKS:

FRIENDS project team conduct successful mission in Kyrgyzstan

FAO-Türkiye Forestry Programme gathers speed with Regional Inception Meeting for FRIENDS Project

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