Silva Mediterranea

Over 90 years of Mediterranean forest management

The Chair

Mr. Turhan graduated with a BSc in Forest Engineering from Istanbul University, and holds a Master’s degree in MBA. Mr. Turhan also took part in several programs, including Executive Education in Forestry from Yale University, Sustainable Development-Tools for Solutions from Lund University, and EU Educational Program from Ankara University. Before joining the State Forest Service, OGM, Turhan spent two years in the private sector working in the wood industry. Having almost 25 years of experience in forestry, he has been in different management positions in many functional areas in OGM. Following his practical experiences in the field as a Forestry Chief between 1996 and 2004, in his current position he is responsible for the international relationships of OGM with the European Union and all other international organizations, as well as carrying out several forestry projects with FAO as a designated Contract Manager. Finally, Turhan is also the focal point of UNFCCC on behalf of OGM, and OGM's Team Leader of the LULUCF working group.

The previous chairs

• From 2019 to 2021 Mr. Chadi Mohanna (Lebanon)
• From 2017 to 2019 Mr. José Manuel Jaquotot Sáenz de Miera (Spain)
• From 2012 to 2017: Mr. Ismail Belen (Türkiye)
• From 2008 to 2012: Mr. Spas Todorov (Bulgaria)
• From 2005 to 2008: Mr. Abderrahim Houmy (Morocco)
• From 2002 to 2005: Mr. Fady Asmar (Lebanon)
• From 1997 to 2002: Mr. Ismet Gümüsdere (Türkiye, elected in 1997) / Mr. Ahmet Senyaz (Türkiye, chairing the session in 2002)
• From 1994 to 1997: Mr. Savvas Theophanous (Cyprus)
• From 1992 to 1994: Mr. Fernando José Mota (Portugal)
• From 1989 to 1992: Mr. George Sakkas (Greece, elected in 1989)/ Mr. Riad (Egypt, chairing the session in 1992)
• From 1987 to 1989: Mr. Santiago Marraco (Spain)
• From 1985 to 1987: Mr. Yves Birot (France)
• From 1970 to 1985: Mr. A. Semizoglu (Türkiye, elected in 1970)/ Mr. S. Bayoglu (Türkiye, chairing the session in 1985)
• From 1968 to 1970: Mr. A. De Philippis (Italy)
• From 1965 to 1968: Mr. P. Margaropoulos (Greece)
• From 1960 to 1965: Mr. Jean-Alfred de Vaissière (France)