OR-KOOP (Central Union of Turkish Forestry Cooperatives)
ODOPEM (Ortadoğu Forestry Projects Survey and Consultancy A.Ş.)
KTÜ (Karadeniz Technical University) Faculty of Forestry

The temperate forests of the Caucasus, lying in a biogeographic corridor between the Mediterranean and Central Asia, are globally recognised as among the most biologicallly rich on Earth. Climate has much to do with this and in the pipeline corridor between the Georgian border and Sarıkamış, where rain falls almost solely in winter, can be found Turkey's largest pure stands of Scots Pine, far outside this tree's normal distribution limits and the only Scots Pine forests in Turkey to grow in a continental-type climate. The highest distribution in terms of attitude of Scots Pine Forests in Turkey is located at Yalnızçam (Ziyarettepe, 2700m). These forests are truly unique.

Yalnızçam is one of the most richest regions in terms of endemic species in Turkey. But this vegetation is being effected by over grazing, land conversion to agriculture, and cutting of the forest for firewood. However, the forests are also an important natural resource for local communities who graze them, clear areas for agriculture and cut them for firewood. In addition, under the General Directorate of Forestry's 10-20 year forest management plans, the forests are heavily managed for timber by the Directorate's regional units. None of these uses consider the forest's biodiversity nor how to conserve or use these natural resources sustainably. As a result of all the exploitation the forests have become degraded, patches fragmented, and in many areas this has led to other species such as Oak Quercus sp. and Aspen Populus tremula becoming locally dominant. Other problems include increased soil erosion, de-regulation of water resources, and decreasing productivity of grazing and agricultural land. Together these are creating a cycle of increased rural poverty and natural resources degradation and are contributing to migration from the region. However, National and Inter-national regulations and agreements are enforced the participation of local people to the forest management planning and including biological conservation criteria into that system.

The project will focus on the Yalnızçam Forest Area in Ardahan which includes two forest management systems – Yalnızçam and Uğurlu – with a rich diversity of forest, alpine, sub-alpine, stream and meadow habitats and a diverse flora and fauna.

The vision of the project is to change the ways people use the forest by encouraging community participation and consideration of biodiversity in forest management. Nine villages in the area make extensive use of the forest and they, together with General Directorate of Forestry staff and other local stakeholders will be invited to participate in the development of controls on the use of the forests' natural resources which will benefit both themselves and biodiversity. Ensuring a balance between protection and utilisation will be key to success and will require improvement and control of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s existing forest management techniques, and creating alternative sources of employment, income, fuel and food for local people.

National and Local Steering Committees comprised of representatives of all key stakeholders to be established by OR-KOOP and BTC to make core decisions on strategies and principles.