Good news for Turkey's environmental initiative as a report issued by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) states that Turkey is among the first top 10 countries worldwide which have an increase in tree planting practices by 100%. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has accelerated afforesting activities since 2003 as part of its commitment to the National Forestry Programs (FFP) as set out by the UN.

Turkey's current area covered by forests stands at 21.188 million hectares.
During 2003, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry permitted the digging of 75,000 hectares and rehabilitated 170,000 hectares last year alone.