Turkey: Pepe departs for Canada

Prior to his departure, Pepe told reporters that the 12th of the congress organized once in every six years would take place in Quebec, Canada between September 21 and 28 with the support of United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Pepe said that almost 5 thousand people from governmental organizations, scientific organizations, non-governmental organizations and industrial sector were expected to attend the congress, the theme of which was "Forests, source of life."

The previous congress was held in southern Antalya province in 1997, Pepe noted.

Pepe recalled that "Antalya Declaration" was issued at the end of the congress.

He was given the privilege to address the opening session since Turkey hosted the previous congress, Pepe stated.

Pepe noted that he would tell his colleagues and scientists about Turkey’s forestry initiatives during the congress.

FAO showed Turkey as an example of countries which increase its forests in world, Pepe pointed out.

Pepe added that Turkey was one of rare countries which increased its forests by 550 thousand hectares in last 30 years.