Decreasing of the fossil energy resources and arising various enviromental problems caused by the using of these resources have raised to improve and generalize the efforts on biomass energy in several countries. However, such efforts in Turkey have not been fully highlighted. Whereas there is high quality and quantity of biomass potential in Turkey, which can not be disregarded. On the other hand, especially in rural settlements, energy for cooking and heating is mostly provided from the wood. But according to findings, half of the wood consumed for these purposes is obtained illegally from state forests. It is such that, in some regions, most of the wood consumed is obtained illegally.

On the other hand, utilization of wood in a way which would not harm forest ecosystems can decrease use of fossil fuels that cause global warming and besides provide environmental benefits such as prevention of soil erosion, sustainability of water resources and capturing of carbon. For this reason, efforts for providing of fuelwood which would not harm forest ecosystems must be enhanced and gain efficiency. There is no background in Turkey which enables this necessity drastically. With this project, in order to contribute to overcome this problem, demonstrated broadcasting activities are primarily and heavily envisaged on awareness of inhabitants settled in and near forest (forest villages).


The following activities will be executed within the scope of the Project:

After preliminary research and analysis by the members of the Association, a two-day workshop will be organized with participation of the related parties [General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), General Directorate of Forest-Village Relations, Central Union of Forestry Cooperatives of Turkey (ORKOOP), forestry faculties and directorates of forestry research institutes, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, TUBITAK, experts of related institutions]. Previous research and applications will be reviewed. Based on the findings, the following will be implemented: i) provide wood for heating and cooking adequately and continuously in "forest villages", ii) for this reason, appraise 5,750,000 hectares of coppice regarded as "state forest" in more economical and functional way, iii) develop practical policies for the public in order to benefit wisely from legislative and administrative arrangements  which provide various opportunities for this effort. In addition; iv) trees and scrubs appropriate for "multipurpose energy forest" under varying ecological conditions, cultivation techniques which can be used and management structure will be determined, v) information gathered through these activities, booklets and posters will be distributed to the target group.

1. Plantation demonstrations for "multi-purpose energy forest" will be carried out in 9 agricultural regions which have different economical, social and cultural conditions with the participation of local people
2. Successes and failures, and their causes during implementation of the project steps will be described in detail and will be publicized and/or reported mainly to public such as related governmental organizations and institutions by suitable tools (booklets, posters, wall calendars, radio and television programs etc.).

The documents (booklets, posters, wall calendars) will be prepared including necessary information for those who will work on "multi-purpose energy forest "and be publicized by distributing to the interested groups primarily like "forest villagers" and the cooperatives established in those settlements, as well as provincial unions of cooperatives. 

Trainings will be carried out in the provinces (and/or towns) at 9 agricultural regions with the participation of "forest villagers", and cooperative managers, primary school teachers, and members of ORKOOP in those villages and interested non-governmental organizations respectively.