Where Carbon is Stored: Istanbul Forests

Istanbul forests are not only natural areas that constitute the city's green spaces and harbor biological diversity, but also carbon stores playing a critical role against climate change. By absorbing thousands of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, Istanbul forests help reduce the city's carbon footprint and perform a vital function in maintaining the balance of life. Areas like Belgrad Forest, Çatalca forests, and Longoz Forests, which are among the largest green areas in and around Istanbul, attract attention with their carbon sequestration capacities. The carbon storage capacity of forests is directly related not only to the size of these ecosystems but also to the healthy management of the forests.

Ensuring the healthy growth of forests and increasing their carbon storage capacities also contribute to the conservation of biological diversity. In this period when the effects of global climate change are becoming increasingly evident, Istanbul forests serve as an important carbon balancer not only locally but also on a global scale. Carbon storage processes are the strongest response forests give against climate change and play a critical role in Istanbul's future environmental sustainability. The carbon storage function of Istanbul forests is vital not only for the city's environmental health but also for the preservation of the quality of life. For this reason, the protection, expansion, and management of forests are the most valuable investments the city makes for cleaner air and a healthier ecosystem.