Wildfire Management in a Changing Climate: A digital partnership between Korea and Türkiye

Basic Information

Region: Middle East & North Africa

Country: Turkey

Approval Year: 2024

Grant Year: Year 12

Amount Approved by Donor: $500000.00

Main Product Line: ASA

Sector: Digital Development

Grant Status: Active

TTLs: Neeta Hooda (Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist)Leela Raina (Environmental Economist)

Grant Activities

Project Summary:

The grant aims to improve forest fire management in Turkey by integrating advanced technology from the Korean Forest Service and positioning Turkey as a regional leader in this field. Supported by the World Bank’s largest forest fire management investment, the $400 million Climate Resilient Forests Project (IBRD P179345) includes key initiatives such as digital communication systems, Integrated Command System (ICS) training, and enhanced inter-agency coordination for more efficient forest fire management and response.

The project aligns with Turkey's national priorities, including the National Development Plan, Climate Change Strategy, Disaster Risk Reduction Plan, and upcoming Forestry Program (2023-2038). It supports Turkey's international commitments under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests, Ecosystem Restoration, and the Paris Agreement, contributing to net-zero emissions by 2053. Additionally, it aligns with the World Bank's Country Partnership Framework focus on disaster resilience and climate sustainability and helps implement Turkey's Climate Change and Development Report (CCDR) recommendations for enhancing forest carbon sinks.