8 / 192
PROF. DR. VEYSEL EROG˘ LU. FORESTRY AND WATER AFFAIRS MINISTER, TURKEY
Global warming, climate change, desertification and drought are the most relevant global issues of our days.
Desertification, land degradation and drought that is threatening directly around 1.2 billion people in more than
110 countries and in 4 billion hectares in the world is not only an environmental issue, but it also has a negative
impact on economy, security and development.
Rapid demographic increase and industrialization worldwide is causing intensive pressures on natural
resources. Issues such as deforestation, soil and water resources pollution, desertification, climate change,
biodiversity extinction risk, hunger and migration emerging from these pressures were opened to discussion in a
more intensive way in international platforms after Rio Summit held in 1992.
The only way to confront this threat for humanity is to ensure that countries use their abilities to act together
and that they realize efficient cooperation.
In this context, the 12th Conference of the Parties for the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification to be held at Ankara, capital of our country, between 12-23 October 2015, will offer a very
important opportunity.
Turkey is aware of the responsibility given to country Parties according to United Nations Convention to
Combat Desertification objectives fulfillment.
Our country is playing an active role in combating desertification and its negative effects both in national and
international fields.
In this scope our
National Desertification Combating Strategy
was prepared, and the current
National
Desertification Combating Action Plan
was updated in the light of the new
National Strategy Document.
Furthermore, in the scope of
Erosion Combating Action Plan
prepared for years 2013-2017,
Upper Watershed
Flood Control Action Plan, Mine Sites Rehabilitation Action Plan
and
Dam Watersheds Afforestation Action
Plan
land degradation is prevented and watersheds protection is ensured so that it contributes to decrease
desertification and climate change effects on our country.
I hope that worldwide public opinion will consider environmental worries not only as scientific reality but also
as an ethical question and will notice their personal responsibilities.
As the host country for United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, we express our satisfaction to
share with the entire world this relevant publication entitled
Living Land
with Turkey’s experience and successes.
Prof. Dr. Veysel Erog˘lu
Forestry and Water Affairs Minister, Turkey
[
]8