Effect of urbanization on transformation of forestry in Turkey (Period of 1990-2010)

Abstract

Forests and forestry in Turkey have been changing and even transforming in line with social, economic, ecologic and cultural changes in the world and the nation. Especially global and regional developments have been extensively affecting the national forestry policies. Different interpretations were made by different interest groups on the extent of change in forests and forestry in Turkey, but a common opinion could not be reached. There is no consensus on the direction of progress in the forestry in Turkey, and how the relationship between the socio-economic structure and production influence each other. Urbanization is one of the important factors affecting the change and the transformation of forestry in Turkey. In order to be able to lay strong foundations for forestry in Turkey, there is a need for studies that examine the relationship of urbanization and forestry in detail. This study has been carried out with an aim to examine the impact of urbanization on forestry in Turkey. Findings reached as a result of analyses have been assessed under the titles: forest villagers and forest land, rapes of the forest, wood as raw material and production of non-wood forest products, protected areas and recreation, and allocations. In light of this assessment, meaningful positive or negative relationships have surfaced between increase in urban population and aforementioned titles.