TEMA Foundation: We need forest and water assets for a peaceful world!

TEMA Foundation emphasised the importance of forest and water assets for a better and peaceful world on March 21, the International Day of Forests and Forest Week, and March 22, World Water Day. Ms. Deniz Ataç, Chairperson of TEMA Foundation, pointed out that 10 million hectares of forest area is lost every year in the world due to deforestation and 2.2 billion people do not have access to quality and sufficient drinking water.

This year, the United Nations determined the theme of International Day of Forests and Forest Week as "Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World". With this theme, the relationship between forests and innovation is considered and the role of innovative technologies, which have an important place in solving today's environmental problems, in the protection and sustainability of forests is emphasised.

On average, 10 million hectares of forest area are lost every year in the world

Stating that forests provide numerous ecosystem services such as preventing erosion, water production, regulating the climate and cleaning the air, Ms. Deniz Ataç, Chairperson of TEMA Foundation, said: “Forests are also of critical importance in mitigating the effects of the climate crisis and protecting biodiversity and water resources. However, an average of 10 million hectares of forest area is lost every year in the world due to deforestation, and approximately 70 million hectares of land are adversely affected by forest fires. Forests, which host 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, also provide 70% of accessible water. New approaches and technologies are needed to mitigate deforestation and prevent the destruction of forests. In addition to innovations such as drone (aerial shooting), satellite technology, remote sensing and artificial intelligence applications, early warning systems that can be used against forest fires have an important role in forest protection, monitoring and sustainable forest management."

Mining permits threaten the future of forests and water bodies

Underlining the importance of conservation policies for the future of forests and water resources in Türkiye, Ataç said, "Although Türkiye is one of the rare countries that has increased its forest assets, the permits granted in the forest legislation for areas of use to sectors such as mining, energy and tourism threaten our forests. While the permits granted between 2012 and 2022 exceeded 400 thousand hectares (533 thousand football pitches), the size of the areas for which only mining permits were given reached 110 thousand hectares (146 thousand football pitches). According to the mapping studies carried out by TEMA Foundation in 29 provinces, while 67% of the total surface area of these provinces is licensed for mining, 65% is forest area. It is indisputable that policies that protect forests, which are of vital importance for climate, biodiversity and water resources, should be implemented. In addition, mining activities constitute a serious threat that pollutes ground and surface waters and causes heavy metals and radioactive substances to mix with the water. The climate crisis causes our water resources to decrease. In addition, the damage and destruction of existing clean water resources due to mining activities means that all living things lose their most basic source of life."

2,2 billion people are deprived of safe drinking water

The theme of this year's World Water Day was determined as ‘Water for Peace’. With this theme, it is emphasised that no one is left behind in access to water, that everyone's needs are taken into account in the use and management of water, and that water is considered an important actor for a more peaceful world.

Emphasising that water is not a resource to be competed over, on the contrary, it is a natural asset that all living things have the right to live, Ataç said, “According to a report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2022, approximately half of the world's population faces serious water scarcity in a certain period of the year. At the same time, according to the data announced by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund in 2023, 2.2 billion people, including 115 million people who drink surface water that has not undergone any treatment process, still cannot access quality and sufficient drinking water."

Water potential of Türkiye is expected to decrease by 20% by 2030

Pointing out that although Türkiye is surrounded by seas on three sides, it is not a rich country in terms of terrestrial water resources, Deniz Ataç said, “The annual renewable water potential per capita in Türkiye is only 1,313 m³, which puts our country among the countries experiencing water stress. With increasing temperatures, evaporation and drought due to climate change and increasing population, it is expected that water potential will decrease by 20% and the amount of water per capita will fall below 1,000 m³ by 2030. For this reason, immediate action is needed to protect our decreasing water resources. Existing water assets should be protected from mining activities, water savings should be made in industrial facilities with intensive water use, loss and leakage controls should be made in water transmission lines, efficient irrigation systems should be used in agriculture and plants with low water needs should be preferred in green areas. It is also of great importance for individuals not to waste water and to reduce unnecessary water use by using it as needed and to raise public awareness on this issue."

Water can be a tool for peace

Stating that today, national and international collaboration has become a must to protect water resources, Ataç said, “All objectives such as environmental sustainability and natural life, food security and economic production, public health and welfare depend on a well-functioning and fairly managed water cycle. However, when there is water scarcity, pollution, or inequality in access to water, tensions can arise between communities and countries. For this reason, while countries combat climate change, manage global migration policy and hunger, they should place national and international water collaboration at the center of their peace plans. Water can be a tool for peace when communities and countries collaborate regarding this topic."

Deniz Ataç invited each and every individual to protect forest areas and water resources and to support efforts to increase forests and use water efficiently for a more livable world.

We are raising hope!                                                                          TEMA Foundation