ISTANBUL

Türkiye is hosting the Istanbul Forest Innovation Week (IFIW) 2025 to take the lead in using technology to combat forest fires.

The event is bringing together over 400 experts and 30 organizations from 75 countries to discuss panels on forests and combating wildfires on Oct. 20–25 in Istanbul. The event is being held with the coordination of the Forestry General Directorate (OGM), with Anadolu serving as its global communications partner.

Ismail Belen, chair of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF), told Anadolu that Türkiye has a bright future in its tech-based leadership in fighting wildfires, noting the importance of sharing such technology with the rest of the world.

Belen said forest fires are a serious issue for the entire world, and in Türkiye, while they were once believed to be specific to the Mediterranean region, forest fires are catching up northwards, as countries like Germany, Austria, and Finland are concerned.

“I can say without a doubt, as the chair of the UNFF, that Türkiye is the best in combating forest fires,” he said, speaking on the sidelines of the IFIW 2025 event.

Belen noted that Türkiye is playing a leading role in developing the technology to combat wildfires and in forestry.

“We have access to the location, number, and diameter information of every tree,” he said, referring to the OGM’s years-long efforts.

“More than 10 drones are actively used in forest fires currently, and these drones can detect wildfires as soon as smoke starts to come out,” he said. “Türkiye’s integrated system, which includes helicopters, other vehicles, and personnel, can reach any area on fire in about 12 minutes.”

Belen stated that Türkiye had the opportunity to showcase its work in combating forest fires at the event, advising manufacturers to focus not only on forest fires but also on all forestry activities, such as developing drones to map areas, take inventory, monitor wildlife, and track pests.

He mentioned that the current firefighting and forestry technologies will evolve to use more drones within a decade, and more and more companies are realizing the shift in the market.

“Just like its leadership in defense and contracting, I believe Türkiye will be a world leader in forestry, too—the sector is quite large, and I recommend that the firms keep up with the rest of the world,” he added.