15 April 2025, Ankara – Central Asia stands at the junction of three of the world’s bio-geographic realms, supporting a unique and diverse ecosystem spanning vast steppes, deserts, vital wetlands and mountain ranges that provide essential water resources to millions across Asia. This remarkable biodiversity, however, faces mounting challenges that require coordinated regional action.

Over the past three decades, countries across Central Asia have increasingly recognized the vital role of forests and biodiversity in sustaining ecological balance and supporting livelihoods. In response, national institutions intend to take important steps to enhance forest governance, promote sustainable resource use and strengthen the management of protected areas. Collaborative efforts are underway to introduce innovative planning tools, expand conservation initiatives and integrate biodiversity considerations into forest management practices. With growing regional commitment and the support of international partners, the region is building momentum toward more resilient landscapes and healthier ecosystems. 

Against this backdrop, a significant milestone in regional environmental cooperation was achieved this week as representatives from multiple countries gathered in Ankara to advance sustainable forestry and biodiversity improvement across Central Asia, the Caucasus and Montenegro.

The Regional Inception Workshop of the project “Improving Biodiversity and Sustainable Forestry”, held on 8–9 April, marked the official launch of this transformative initiative developed under the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP). The project aims to drive large-scale biodiversity improvement and sustainable forest management while fostering regional collaboration and innovation in climate resilience.

In his opening remarks, Ekrem Yazıcı, FAO Forestry Officer, emphasized the project’s focus on sustainable forest resource management and the mainstreaming of biodiversity into productive ecosystems through functional forest management planning. Yazıcı encouraged participants to actively contribute as the project will be tailored to the specific needs of beneficiary countries within the scope of overall project objectives.

Emin Karaman, Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion, shared insights on biodiversity protection practices from Australia and the United States, expressing his support for the project’s objectives.

Ergül Terzioğlu, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP), highlighted Türkiye’s rich biodiversity, shaped by its strategic geographic location. Terzioğlu detailed the country’s ongoing initiatives, including the National Biological Diversity Inventory and Monitoring Project, and noted that the new FAO project presents an opportunity for DKMP to share its institutional expertise.

Mustafa Özkaya, Deputy Director General of the Directorate General of Forestry, underscored the collective responsibility to preserve natural resources for future generations. Özkaya emphasized that biodiversity improvement is a global priority requiring comprehensive strategies that address not only forests but also rangelands, wetlands and other ecosystems.

Following the opening session, Project Coordinator İffet Deniz Cengiz provided an overview of the project’s fundamentals, focus areas and expected impact. Cengiz outlined how the initiative will support capacity building, functional planning and knowledge exchange across participating countries. Building on this, Ekrem Yazici, FAO Forestry Officer and Lead Technical Officer for the project, emphasized its alignment with national, regional and global goals in forestry and biodiversity conservation. Technical presentations from Turkish experts showcased the country’s experience in protected areas management, wildlife conservation and sustainable forestry practices, including international planning efforts in countries such as Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan and Syria.

National Project Coordinators from beneficiary countries then presented the status of their forest resources and legislative frameworks, identifying regional priorities and collaboration opportunities. In the subsequent working group sessions, participants explored key challenges and opportunities in forest and protected area management while also discussing avenues for cooperation, experience sharing and potential contributions from Türkiye to support regional efforts.

The workshop concluded with visits to relevant national directorates for knowledge exchange and an excursion to Kızılcahamam National Park, providing participants with practical insights into Türkiye’s biodiversity improvement and protected area management approaches.

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.

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