AKP deputy slams government's mass deforestation of Turkey

Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Ankara deputy Nevzat Ceylan slammed the government's mass deforestation of the country as a result of unsustainable lumber production policies, the daily Cumhuriyet reported on April 9.

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Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Nevzat Ceylan slammed the government's mass deforestation of the country through inefficient lumber production policies, the daily Cumhuriyet reported on April 9.

"There has been extensive tree cutting in recent years," Ceylan said. 

The country's total volume of tree cutting increased from 18.5 million cubic meters in 2017 to 28.5 million in 2021, Ceylan said, adding that the number is still on the rise. 

The deputy noted that forest land is crucial in preventing natural disasters like landslides as it is able to preserve excess rain.

Noting that deforestation decreases the soil's capacity to reserve rainwater, the deputy encouraged the Environment and Urbanization Ministry to be vigilant about the preservation of forests.