Ümit Turhan holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Forest Engineering, along with an MBA, equipping him with comprehensive expertise in forestry, environmental science and their interconnected aspects. His strong academic foundation has provided him with a deep understanding of the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet, as well as the technical and analytical skills necessary to address them. 

With nearly 28 years of experience in forestry, Ümit Turhan has held various management positions within the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), overseeing key functional areas. His expertise spans forestry management, engineering, international relations, and project management, particularly in sectors related to biodiversity, desertification, and climate change. 

Throughout his career at OGM, he has played a key role in numerous forestry programmes and initiatives. He has further enriched his expertise through prestigious educational programmes, including Executive Education in Forestry at Yale University, Sustainable Development – Tools for Solutions at Lund University, and the EU Educational Programme at Ankara University. Additionally, he has co-authored the Strategic Plan for Climate Change Adaptation of Forestry and the Forestry Financing Report for the 10th Session of the United Nations Forest Forum. 

Ümit Turhan has served as the Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Training, and Research at OGM. He is also the former Chair of the Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions – Silva Mediterranea. 

Dr Chadi Mohanna has been the Director of the Rural Development and Natural Resources Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture in Lebanon since 2008. In this role, he oversees national policies and programmes related to forestry, fisheries, rangelands, irrigation and agro-industry. Alongside his governmental responsibilities, he is also a lecturer at Saint Joseph University of Lebanon, where he shares his expertise in environmental and natural resource management. 

Dr Mohanna has played a pivotal role in shaping Lebanon’s forestry and environmental policies. He led the development of the National Forestry Programme and the National Reforestation Programme, making significant contributions to forest conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts. He also serves as the national focal point for the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and FAO forest activities. 

From 2019 to 2022, Dr Mohanna was President of Silva Mediterranea, FAO’s Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions, and later served as its Vice-Chair from 2022 to 2024. 

Beyond his governmental and academic roles, he is also a consultant for various international organisations, specialising in ecosystem restoration and management. 

İsmail Belen is a forest engineer with a distinguished career in sustainable forestry, nature conservation and public service. He graduated in Forest Engineering from Karadeniz Technical University in Türkiye (1991) and holds Master’s degrees in Forest Engineering and Public Management. He has further enhanced his expertise through national and international programmes, including a senior management course at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. 

Currently serving as Chief Inspector at the General Directorate of Forestry under Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, İsmail Belen has held key leadership roles, including Deputy Director General at both the General Directorate of Forestry and the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion. He has been actively involved in international forestry cooperation, currently serving as Chair of the United Nations Forum on Forests (2024–2026). Previously, he chaired the FAO Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions – Silva Mediterranea (2012–2017) and was Vice-Chair of the European Forestry Commission and the UNECE Forest and Timber Committee. 

İsmail Belen has contributed to numerous international projects with organisations such as FAO and the World Bank, focusing on sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based solutions. He has also authored and contributed to various reports and publications in these fields. 

Beyond his official roles, he actively supports non-governmental initiatives in forestry and conservation. He is President of the Association of the People Caring for the Future and the International Platform for Nature and Forestry, as well as Adviser for Foreign Affairs at the Chamber of Forest Engineers of Türkiye. Passionate about fostering a harmonious relationship between people and forests, he values international collaboration and the opportunity to learn from shared experiences in forestry.