Turkey's Hidden Treasure: Forest Floor Cleaning and Natural Resource Economy
Forest resources, aromatic plants, mushroom diversity and agricultural wealth can be transformed into a lost treasure when managed correctly. Proper forest management prevents fires, increases yield and earns millions for the country.
Turkey is a country located at the ecological intersection of three continents, with biological diversity rivalling that of the world's leading regions. Despite this, a significant portion of its natural resources remain underutilised. Forest resources, aromatic plants, mushroom diversity and agricultural wealth can be transformed into a lost treasure when managed correctly. Proper forest management prevents fires, increases yield and earns millions for the country.
Forest Cleaning: Not an Expense, but a Profit
As most of Turkey's forests are not cleaned, the risk of fire increases, trees weaken, forest product production declines, and the production of usable natural fertiliser remains limited. However, the collected organic material can be processed and turned into an economic asset.
Turkey's Lost Chestnut Wealth
There is a serious loss of yield in chestnut forests throughout Turkey, particularly in Kastamonu. Research shows that nearly 200,000 tonnes of chestnuts in Turkey are weak due to lack of maintenance.
The Treasure Underground: Truffles
Truffles grow naturally in many regions of Turkey. In 2024, the revenue generated from truffles across the country exceeded 650 million TL. Black truffles can fetch up to 200 euros per kilo, while white truffles can reach 2,000 euros per kilo.
Aromatic Plants: Added Value Going Abroad
Although Turkey is a world leader in bay leaves and oregano, it still sells the raw product cheaply and buys back the processed product at a high price. Bay leaves and seeds are used in the pharmaceutical industry, but due to insufficient processing facilities, the added value remains abroad.
Turkey Needs a Natural Resources Strategy
Forest floor cleaning, aromatic plant processing facilities, natural fertiliser production centres and truffle mushroom training programmes should be made part of a national strategy.
Turkey Will Benefit if Managed Correctly
Natural resources are not only an economic asset but also an environmental responsibility. If Turkey manages its natural wealth correctly, it could become one of the world's strongest natural resource economies.
