The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, attended the “Türkiye’s Strength: Forests” program organized as part of World Forestry Day and Forest Week. During the program held at İsmet İnönü Primary School in the Kdz. Ereğli district of Zonguldak, 400 saplings were planted in the soil, contributing to the environment.
The program was attended by Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu and his spouse Güney Hacıbektaşoğlu, Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor Gökhan Kapağan, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, Regional Director of Forestry Hasan Keskin, district protocol members, representatives of political parties, non-governmental organizations, teachers, students, and citizens.
In his opening speech, Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu emphasized that the event was not only a tree planting activity but also an important investment in the future. Drawing attention to the rich forest assets of the Western Black Sea region, Hacıbektaşoğlu stated that protecting this natural heritage is a shared responsibility. Referring to Türkiye’s success in afforestation efforts, he noted that the country ranks 1st in Europe and 4th in the world, adding that this achievement has been made possible through determined policies and dedicated work in the field. Emphasizing that forests are not only made up of trees but are vital ecosystems that protect water, soil, and climate, Hacıbektaşoğlu stated that each planted sapling is a valuable trust left to the future.
Speaking at the program, Regional Director of Forestry Hasan Keskin stated that efforts to protect and develop forests continue uninterrupted and emphasized the importance of increasing environmental awareness, especially among younger generations.
Following the speeches, sapling planting was carried out in the school garden with the participation of dignitaries, teachers, students, and citizens. The program, which had high participation, once again emphasized the importance of contributing to nature and leaving a greener environment for future generations.
In his evaluation of the program, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated that forests are indispensable for a sustainable future and said,
“Each sapling planted here today means hope for our tomorrow. As a university, we attach importance to raising individuals with high environmental awareness and continue to contribute to such awareness-raising activities. Protecting nature is, in fact, protecting our future.”
In his remarks on the occasion, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer also drew attention to the importance of World Forestry Day and Forest Week in strengthening environmental awareness and stated the following:
“Today, we are not only planting saplings; we are leaving hope for the future, breath for nature, and a green legacy for future generations. Forests are one of the most important guarantees of a sustainable life. As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we continue to fulfill our responsibility towards nature through our environmentally sensitive projects, afforestation activities carried out on our campus, and sustainability-oriented practices.
Each sapling brought together with the soil is an indicator of both our commitment to nature and the responsibility we bear towards future generations. In this context, I would like to express my gratitude to our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for leading such a meaningful day. In addition, I would like to extend my thanks to our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, who carries out his work with great dedication within the scope of the Türkiye’s Strength: Forest program, to the General Directorate of Forestry, and to our Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu. I also sincerely thank all volunteers, teachers, students, and citizens who brought together the saplings that will breathe life into our green homeland.”
