Under the UNDP/GEF project “Integrated Approach to Management of Forests in Turkey, with Demonstration in High Conservation Value Forests in the Mediterranean Region”, Nature Conservation Centre (DKM) assessed forest ecosystem services in five districts of Mediterranean forests in Turkey, covering about 6 500 km2, and integrated multiple ecosystem services into Forest Management Plans for the first time in Turkey.
To determine optimal forest management practices based on the “watershed” approach, DKM quantified water flow regulation (assessing water yield and using flood-torrent risk) and soil conservation (using erosion risk) services from forest ecosystems, modelled these water-related services and validated them through field surveys, stakeholder workshops and expert views. Moreover, DKM determined forest stands along hiking routes and proposed management activities for these stands in forest management plans. The economic valuation of forest ecosystems was assessed in one of the districts for carbon storage, wood production, and recreation services.
In the end, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Forestry in Turkey, DKM developed management actions to enhance forest ecosystem services in these districts. These forestry practices included different silvicultural options at forest sub-stand level. In Turkey, this innovative approach was implemented for the first time in the management planning process of forests.
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