News

In memoriam: Mahmut Temiz

22.01.2016

We are deeply saddened to report the loss of Mahmut Temiz, who represented the Government of Turkey within the Mountain Partnership. Born in Turkey in January 1968, he passed away in January 2016.

As the national focal point of Turkey to the Mountain Partnership, he served on the Steering Committee of the Partnership as well as that of the European Forestry Commission (EFC) Working Party on Management of Mountain Watersheds.

“I had the privilege of working with Mahmut for many years. I assure you that he will be missed not only by me but also by all my colleagues,” said Thomas Hofer, Mountain Partnership Secretariat Coordinator, recalling the gentle nature with which he conveyed vast knowledge.

Temiz graduated from the Forestry Faculty of Black Sea Technical University in Trabzon, Turkey in 1990. He furthered developed his expertise through training on micro catchment management, M&E and restoration in Israel, Japan and the United States.

He worked for the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs of Turkey as forest engineer, chief engineer, division director, department chief and recently minister adviser in different regions of the country in 1992-2016. He coordinated large-scale watershed rehabilitation projects funded by the World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency and International Fund for Agricultural Development.

He was married and had two children. 

On behalf of the Partnership, we extend our condolences to his friends and family to whom we wish strength and courage.

Photos provided by Ekrem Yazici