TEMA Foundation pledges to plant 1.5 million trees for the Planet

The TEMA Foundation (Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, Reforestation and the Protection of the Natural Habitats), an accredited NGO to UNEP since 2005, one of the leading environmental NGOs in Turkey declared that the foundation will support UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign and will plant 1.5 million trees of 17 different species throughout Turkey during 2007.

TEMA’s mission is to raise public awareness of environmental problems specifically soil erosion, desertification, deforestation, habitat destruction, biodiversity loss and climate change. To achieve this goal, TEMA carries out education programs and implements demonstration projects. In addition, TEMA advocates legislation that protects the environment and natural habitats. Since 1992, TEMA has implemented 50 reforestation projects beside its 35 sustainable rural development projects throughout Turkey. Approximately 8.673.720 tons of carbon will be sequestered due to TEMA’s reforestation activities in 100 years. TEMA believes that UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign will contribute to TEMA efforts to combat soil erosion and to mitigate climate change.

TEMA Foundation Director General Dr. Uygar Ozesmi states that: “Since its establishment in 1992 TEMA has planted 4.713.575 trees in an area of 4.795 ha with the support of its more than 300.000 voluntary supporters, business sector, Ministry of Education, Armed Forces and different governmental or private institutions and individuals. And now, TEMA supports UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign and pledges to plant 1,500,000 trees as a contribution of Turkey’s effort to mitigate climate change. We are inviting everyone to plant a tree for our planet.”

Emre Murat Ermis
International Relations

Tel : +90 212 283 78 16 – 183
Fax : +90 212 281 11 32
Email : muratermis@tema.org.tr

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