French Development Agency and DG Forest support integrated watershed management and rural development in Seyhan and Ceyhan basins

AFD and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance signed a 500 000 € grant agreement on  the occasion of the visit by M. Rémy RIOUX, AFD’s CEO to the Minister Mehmet ŞİMŞEK. Thanks to this grant, OGM will develop a feasibility study to identify the micro-catchment areas in the region related to biodiversity protection and problems to be addressed. The needs of the local population (especially after the earthquakes) and prospective activities will also be determined. The technical and financial results of this study will be used for a future AFD financed credit facility. 

Despite efforts to improve the land, Türkiye's geography and climate make it prone to natural disasters like floods, droughts, and erosion. Recognizing the interconnectedness of natural resources within watersheds, OGM implements integrated watershed rehabilitation projects. These projects aim to restore ecosystems, improve livelihoods for rural villagers, and promote sustainable resource management. By combining efforts like afforestation and erosion control with economic development initiatives, these projects address environmental challenges, boost community well-being, and protect biodiversity. 

Forest authorities in both Türkiye and France, OGM and ONF, respectively, have a long history of collaboration on several different topics such as combat against forest fires and pests, climate adaptation of forests and genetic studies, biodiversity protection, ecotourism and rehabilitation of quarries, etc. In 2011-2022, AFD provided 4 budget support loans amounting to 600 mEUR on sustainable forest management to the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of Turkish Republic/ OGM accompanied by 1.2 mEUR technical assistance to facilitate this cooperation. *

• Rémy Rioux, AFD's CEO,  stated : « Since more than a decade, OGM and AFD have developed a fruitful policy dialogue on almost every aspect of sustainable forest management in Türkiye and beyond, across Europe, by searching sustainable solutions for healthy forests. Working together to restore the Seyhan and Ceyhan watersheds will help combine decent living conditions for people affected by the latest earthquakes with biodiversity protection. »

Press contact/ Basın iletişim:

OGM: Perihan ÜNSAL I Basın ve Halkla İlişkiler Müdürü I perihanunsal@ogm.gov.tr I Mümin DÖNGEZ Müfettiş I mumindongez@ogm.gov.tr 

AFD: Zeren Erik Yaşar I erikz@afd.fr 

About OGM/ OGM Hakkında

The General Directorate of Forestry (GDF), operating as a public institution with an allocated budget and legal status under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, is engaged in extensive and diverse projects aimed at safeguarding the natural resources of our country and promoting their sustainable management. Central to these initiatives is the responsible stewardship of forest resources within the framework of ecosystem integrity, encompassing ecological, economic, and socio-cultural considerations. The GDF is responsible for protecting forests from illegal activities, natural calamities, and fires, as well as conducting forestry quarantine services, expanding forested areas and related services, facilitating the restoration and rehabilitation of forests, and seeking to optimize the utilization of products and services provided by forest ecosystems.

OGM has garnered attention for its successful implementation of integrated basin rehabilitation projects in our country. These projects encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the restoration of forest and pasture areas, flood prevention and control, erosion mitigation, and the promotion of income-generating agricultural activities for local communities. The integrated projects undertaken by OGM play a significant role in promoting sustainable natural resource management and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the region.

The projects not only focus on conserving and enhancing natural resources but also emphasize on elevating the living standards of the local populace, diversifying their sources of income, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The institutional knowledge and expertise of OGM are instrumental in effectively executing and perpetuating these initiatives.

As the General Directorate of Forestry, we are unwavering in our commitment to safeguard and enrich our nation's forest resources in alignment with the goals of sustainable development. Our mandate is to preserve and nurture forests and their resources with a close-to-nature approach, managing them sustainably within the framework of the ecosystem and in a manner that delivers diverse benefits to society. Pursuing this objective, we strive to be a leading authority in the implementation of sustainable forest management principles.

About French Development Agency/ Fransız Kalkınma Ajansı Hakkında :

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group funds, supports and accelerates the transitions to a fairer and more sustainable world. Focusing on climate, biodiversity, peace, education, urban development, health and governance, our teams carry out more than 3,600 projects in France’s overseas departments and territories and another 160 countries. In this way, we contribute to the commitment of France and French people to support the sustainable development goals.

AFD Group implements France’s policy in the areas of development and international solidarity. The Group includes Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which finances the public sector and NGOs, as well as research and education in sustainable development; its subsidiary Proparco, which is dedicated to private sector financing; and Expertise France, the technical cooperation agency.