European Commission contributes to fire-damaged areas of METU Atatürk Forest

The Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey has donated 5,000 trees to contribute to the reforestation efforts in the fire-damaged areas of the Middle East Technical University’s (METU) Atatürk Forest. A planting ceremony to mark this crucial step in the regeneration of this important green space in the capital city took place on 5th June to coincide with the EU Green Week and the International Environment Day.

During the ceremony, the Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, Ambassador Marc Pierini; METU President Prof Dr Ural Akbulut; Mr Necati Cengiz from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry as well as a student from METU Primary school delivered speeches. The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the EU Member States, environmental NGOs and international organisations as well as students and journalists.

In his speech, Ambassador Pierini underlined that the environment was one of the top priorities of the European Union and indicated that the EC contribution to the METU Atatürk Forest was a “modest but meaningful” one. Mr Pierini also stated that the Commission was supporting various environment projects across Turkey including Bitlis, Tokat, Kuşadası, Nevşehir, Bursa and Çanakkale.

Following the speeches, the officials unveiled the sign board indicating the EC contribution and planted trees together with the participants.

Please click here for more information on the support to the reforestation of the fire-damaged areas of the METU Atatürk Forest.