Abstract:

In recent years, forest fires have alarmingly increased in numbers and magnitudes throughout the world and Turkey, threatening Earth's crucially important biosphere resources. There are vast differences of opinion on fire prevention, extinguishing and restoration efforts, and forest management in general among a wide range of stakeholders from high-level state institutions to the forest product consumers to the grassroots in Turkey. The basis of these differences is the lack of unity of vision among all stakeholders, lack of a mutual understanding and perspective on forest ecology and natural building blocks of healthy forests. Even if they are well intended, all rehabilitation initiatives and implementation efforts with restoration focuses cannot have long-term effects and cannot provide holistic benefits due to the differences in the primary motives. It is of great importance that the scientific facts on forest ecology are comprehended thoroughly and agreed upon by the great majority of all parties. This study initially aims to provide the public with a shared vision constructed by scientific information. Secondly, in the light of the scientific information acquired, mitigation and restoration recommendation plans with ecosystem-based approaches are developed. Based on the fact that forest lands are more than mere trees, this study demonstrates the importance of ecological components and biological diversity underlying forests and similar natural systems in the context of fires. Fires are one of the determinants of the evolution process of natural systems. Forest fires are positive phenomena that enable rejuvenation and support biodiversity by equalizing and allowing a fresh start opportunity, as long as they occur at intervals and measures that remain within the regeneration capacity of forests. It is imperative to understand and explain what a healthy natural forest is and what it is not, both in preventing forest fires, reforestation after the fire, and sustainable management of forests. Mutually shared knowledge-based unity and rational scientific information are the most unifying elements for the common consensus and vision. In conclusion, a two steps healing process is recommended. First, inventory of damage assessment; consequently, the conservation and restoration plans, eventually to be integrated into the National Regional Environment Plans (Çevre Düzeni Planı.)

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