My name is Mirac and I am 23 years old. I study economics in Faculty of Political Sciences, Ankara University. I am interested in discovering (and trying to protect) beauties of the world.

Some say that Turkey is a European country, others claim it is definitely Asia. What do you think?

My country is the bridge between Asia and Europe, and the cradle of lots of civilisations. Because of that it is truly Europe and truly Asia at the same time.

What environmental problems are most threatening for your country?

In Turkey, the biggest problem about nature is soil erosion and every year Turkey loses soil as big as Cyprus island. Soil erosion threatens 85% of Turkey. And if this situation goes on, my country will turn into desert very fast. 29% of lands in Turkey is covered with forests. But it is so hot in summers and in every summer – like this summer- it is so easy to cause a fire there. The Ministry of Forests and Environment, and related NGO’s promote, organise and make campaigns for planting trees and being careful for preventing fires. We have a long way to walk for success in raising awareness about soil erosion.

How is your activism related to the problem of soil erosion?

I am a volunteer in TEMA ( Turkish Foundation for Preventing Soil Erosion, Reforesting and Protecting Natural Habitats ). TEMA has over 236.000 members and it is the most efficient and active environmental foundation in my country. When I first heard about the effects of soil erosion( If we do not prevent soil erosion immediately, Turkey will be desert before 2030) this motivated me so much to do something for protecting nature.

Where did your motivation lead you?

As a young volunteer, I inform my friends, and people around me about the effects of soil erosion and try to inspire them to become new active members for TEMA. Additionally I participate in afforestation projects in my area and attend soil erosion education seminars. I think acting local is the most effective way in environmental works. As an individual, you can’t prevent global warming, but you can organise a campaign to collect used papers for recycling for example.

Could you elaborate a bit more on the work of TEMA?

TEMA Foundation implements reforestation, afforestation, carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection projects in areas subject to erosion, in order to regain the green cover, wildlife and ecological balance. The foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has planted 2,2 million saplings over an area of 2.350 hectares under 25 different reforestation projects through the sponsorship of individuals and companies. TEMA’s “10 Billion Oak Acorns Projects” started in 1998 with the partnership of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Since 1998, 850 million oak acorns have been planted with the support of citizens, private-public sector, Turkish Armed Forces and Education Institutions.

Do you also use new media to lobby for nature conservation?

One of TEMA’s recent project is called ‘10 Million Sms’ campaign. Companies will send advertisement messages to participants' mobile phones and 5 millions of oaks will be planted when it reaches half million participants. TEMA works in 35 Rural Development Projects on 100.000 hectares area throughout Turkey. TEMA Foundation’s legal activities can be evaluated under “lawmaking“ and “lawsuits” activities. The most important of TEMA’s legal successes is the ratification of “Grazeland Law” by the Turkish General Assembly in 1998 which has not been passed by parliament for 38 years. TEMA organizes seminars, panels and conferences in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Security and universities. So far, more than 2 million people attended TEMA’s various education programs.

What would you recommend people, who got interested now in the topics of soil erosion and deforestation or which would like to collaborate with TEMA?

If you are interested in my organisations work, you can contact TEMA Representatives in your area ( presently we have branches in Germany and Holland ) and participate in TEMA activities there. Additionally you can inform TEMA about any problems you witness concerning soil erosion, deforestation, agricultural malpractice, so that TEMA can take the necessary actions or inform you, how you could fight these problems. We also offer publications to get informed about soil erosion, desertification and reforestation. We, as youth, must start to take the step. It is not important to take a big or small step, it is important to start! I suggest to visit TEMA’s homepage as a ‘first step’: TEMA's Homepage

Thanks for the interview!