Forest management in Türkiye: economic pressures, legal frameworks, and ecological consequences

This study investigates the evolving dynamics of forest management in Türkiye, focusing on the intersection of economic pressures, legal changes, and ecological consequences. In recent decades, Türkiye has experienced a paradigm shift toward multifunctional forest management, driven by global sustainability goals and the influence of international agreements. Despite these advancements and constitutional safeguards, rising wood production, driven by private sector demand, has led to concerns over the sustainability of forest ecosystems. Employing Cashore and Stone’s tripartite framework as a methodological outline under an institutional approach within a process tracing perspective, this research analyzes Türkiye’s regulatory evolution, economic dependencies, and the implications of sovereign authority on forest governance. Data sources include forest inventory reports, development plans, and economic and legal documents, analyzed to identify causal pathways and assess Türkiye’s alignment with international practices. The findings highlight inconsistencies between policy objectives and implementation, particularly regarding industrial plantations, which are critical for reducing pressure on forests. The study underscores the need for policies that balance economic exploitation and ecological protection. Strengthening industrial plantation efforts and aligning them with global best practices are recommended to ensure long-term sustainability. By integrating multifunctionality into policy frameworks and addressing emerging ecological risks, Türkiye can better manage its forests to support both economic development and biodiversity conservation.