Our University organises and supports a wide range of activities aimed at protecting forests, green areas, and natural ecosystems; promoting the environmentally sustainable use of land; and raising awareness of nature conservation within society. In particular, educational, awareness-raising, afforestation, and field-based activities carried out by the Faculty of Forestry, the Department of Forest Engineering, and other academic and administrative units focus on forest conservation, the enhancement of green areas, the prevention of forest fires, sustainable forest and watershed management, and the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems.
“Be a Breath for the Future!” – National Afforestation Day Tree-Planting Event
On 11 November 2025, National Afforestation Day, our University organised a large-scale tree-planting event under the theme “Be a Breath for the Future!” The event was organised by the Department of Construction and Technical Affairs in front of the Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Forestry, with the participation of University administrators, academic and administrative staff, and students. Various tree species were planted across the campus.
The event aimed to protect the existing natural character of the University, support plant diversity, expand green areas, and promote an environmentally responsible culture throughout the university community. This activity constitutes a direct sustainable land-use practice by strengthening the ecological quality of the campus and contributing to the goal of leaving a greener campus for future generations.
“Plant a Sapling Too” Event at the Åžehit Prof. Dr. Ä°lhan Varank Campus
Another example of our University’s sustainable land-use and green campus initiatives was the tree-planting event held on 17 December 2025 at the Åžehit Prof. Dr. Ä°lhan Varank Campus of the Faculty of Technology in Of.
The event, organised under the theme “A Better Future Is in Your Hands, Be the Future of Nature, Plant a Sapling Too”, brought together academic and administrative staff and students, who planted saplings in various areas across the campus. In addition to improving campus green spaces, the event aimed to strengthen environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility towards nature among students.
Evidence:
https://bilgiislem.ktu.edu.tr/ofteknoloji/haber/yesil-kampus-icin-fidanlar-dikildi
Planting of 250 Saplings as Part of a Social Responsibility Project
Our University’s afforestation and land conservation activities were not limited to campus areas. On 23 December 2025, a tree-planting event was organised in the Åžinik Organised Industrial Zone, under the responsibility of the Akçaabat Forest Management Directorate, in cooperation with KTÜ Trabzon Vocational School, Vakfıkebir Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, and Vakfıkebir Atatürk Secondary School.
A total of 250 saplings were planted with the participation of students, academic staff, and administrators. In addition to directly contributing to the enhancement of forested areas, the activity served as a social awareness initiative designed to strengthen environmental and nature conservation awareness among young people.
Evidence:
https://surdurulebilirlik.ktu.edu.tr/trabzonmyo/haber/fidan-dikimi
“The Forest Is Mine” Event – Awareness for the Prevention of Forest Fires
Our University’s Department of Forest Engineering participated in the “The Forest Is Mine” event held on 9 May 2025. Organised simultaneously across Türkiye, the main objectives of the initiative were to prevent forest fires, protect forest areas, and increase public awareness and responsibility regarding the conservation of nature.
The event, held at the 100th Year Park in Ortahisar, Trabzon, encouraged students to actively participate in the protection of natural and forested areas and helped raise their awareness of measures aimed at reducing forest fire risks.
Evidence:
https://bilgiislem.ktu.edu.tr/ormanmuhendisligi/etkinlik/orman-benim-etkinligine-davetlisiniz
Department of Forest Engineering – 2025 Activities:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/ormanmuhendisligi/etkinlikler
Panel on Water and Forest Management in the Context of Climate Change
Our University supports the sustainable use of land and forests not only through practical activities but also through scientific and public awareness events. On 16–17 October 2025, the Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Marine Sciences, and Faculty of Engineering jointly organised the panel entitled “Water and Forest Management in the Context of Climate Change.”
The panel addressed the impacts of climate change on Türkiye’s rainfall basins, changes in the hydrological cycle, drought and flood risks, sustainable forest management, forest fires, and the conservation of natural ecosystems. The participation of external stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the General Directorate of Forestry, the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works, TÄ°SKÄ°, and the Chamber of Forest Engineers demonstrates that our University approaches sustainable land and forest management in cooperation with relevant public institutions and professional organisations.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/orman/etkinlik/iklim-degisikligi-surecinde-su-ve-orman-yonetimi-paneli-H
Agriculture–Forest Relations in Integrated Watershed Management
The relationship between agriculture, forests, and watersheds—an important component of sustainable land use—was also addressed through our University’s activities in 2025. On 25 April 2025, a seminar entitled “Agriculture–Forest Relations in Integrated Watershed Management” was delivered with the participation of Ä°sa Kaplan, Director of the Trabzon Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
The seminar contributed to improving knowledge and awareness regarding the assessment of land-use decisions at the watershed scale, the integrated protection of agricultural and forest ecosystems, and the holistic management of natural resources.
Evidence:
https://www.ktu.edu.tr/ormanmuhendisligi/etkinlikler
Throughout 2025, our University organised and supported a range of activities in the areas of afforestation and tree planting, prevention of forest fires, conservation of forests and natural areas, sustainable forest management, integrated watershed management, reduction of erosion and natural disaster risks, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and environmental education.
These activities were not limited to improving green areas within University campuses. They also included practical interventions in off-campus forest and land areas, cooperation with public institutions, scientific meetings, and awareness-raising activities involving different segments of society.
Accordingly, our University actively supports and organises events aimed at protecting forests and natural areas and promoting the sustainable use of land, while encouraging broad participation from students, staff, public institutions, local stakeholders, and the wider community.
