Furkan Gültekin

PEFC Türkiye, represented by the Sustainable Forest Management, Products and Services Certification Association (SOYDER), is the national governing body of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) in Türkiye. Established on 2 February 2020 and officially recognized by PEFC International on 11 November 2020, SOYDER is responsible for developing and implementing sustainable forest management standards in the country. The organization works to create national criteria and indicators tailored to Türkiye’s forestry sector while supporting the traceability of forest-based products through certification systems. In 2024, PEFC Türkiye finalized the Sustainable Forest Management Criteria and Indicator Set during a meeting in Bolu and prepared the Türkiye PEFC Sustainable Forest Management Standard for approval by PEFC International. PEFC Türkiye also organizes seminars and stakeholder meetings for industries such as forestry, paper, furniture, and textiles, highlighting the importance of certification for sustainable practices and export opportunities, particularly to the European Union. The association’s board includes representatives from forest owners, forestry industries, environmental organizations, trade groups, cooperatives, and local forest communities. Through these initiatives, PEFC Türkiye contributes to strengthening sustainable forest management practices and ensuring responsible use and traceability of forest resources across the country. 🌿🌲