Turkish delegation explores sustainable forest management practices in Tuscany

A high-level delegation from FAO Ankara and the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) visited Tuscany this week for a four-day study tour dedicated to learning more about Model Forests and their participatory, sustainable approach to territorial management.

The delegation was composed of 23 members, including İbrahim Yüzer, ViceDeputy Director General of the General Directorate of Forestry; Ayşegül Selisik, FAO Türkiye Assistant Representative; Ekrem Yazici, Senior forestry officer FAO Turkiye: Erdogan Erturk, Project Coordinator at FAO; and Valentina Garavaglia, from FAO Silva Mediterranea, and experts from the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) and General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

The visit took place within the framework of the GEF-funded project “Strengthening the Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of Forest Landscapes in Türkiye’s Kazdağlari Region (GCP/TUR/904/GFF).” The request for this study tour was addressed to the Tuscany Region in its role as Secretariat of the Mediterranean Model Forest Network, which then requested the support of the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest for the organization of all activities in the territory.

Day 1 - Introducing the model forest approach

The visit opened at Rincine (Londa), the official headquarters of the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest. The delegation was welcomed by Toni Ventre, General Secretary of MMFN, with the support of Stefano Berti, President of Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest. MMFN Secretariat, with an overview of the Network, the history of the Montagne Fiorentine Model Forest, and its ongoing activities. Coordinators and managers of the FM-branded “Il Legno” also shared insights into the region’s collaborative governance model.

The day continued with presentations on the Educase environmental education tools and on FOR.ITALY, a national project focused on strengthening training for forest operators. This intensive first day set the stage for a rich programme of field experiences and exchanges.

Day 2 - Forest management, local communities, and chestnut culture

The second day brought the delegation to Castagno d’Andrea for a discussion on forest management with Andrea Gennai, Director of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. The group then went to Rifugio Borbotto, a meeting point for further dialogue on community engagement in territorial stewardship.

Local stakeholders, including the Mayor Emanuele Piani, Nicoletta Agricoli from the Borgo di Serignana, and Andrea Salieri from Le Casine, shared experiences linked to chestnut cultivation and the role of rural enterprises as custodians of the landscape.

The afternoon focused on the FOR.SA Forest Therapy project, followed by a visit to the historic San Bavello water mill—now restored and producing high-quality chestnut flour for local businesses.

Day 3 - Vallombrosa and international collaboration

The delegation then travelled to Vallombrosa, an iconic site for Italian forest management history. They were hosted by Giuliano Savelli, commander  of the Carabinieri Forestali – Vallombrosa Biodiversity Department.

Participants attended a DIGIMEDFOR webinar centred on the Turkish replication site, strengthening cooperation within the Mediterranean region. The day concluded with a guided visit to the renowned Vallombrosa experimental arboreta—an extraordinary living laboratory for forestry research.

Final Day - Institutional meetings and wildfire management

The final day featured an institutional meeting at Regione Toscana with Roberto Scalacci, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Livia Lazzarotto, Head of the Forestry department.

The delegation then travelled to the Municipality of Calci to meet Francesco Drosera and Franco Cerchiarini from the forest sector of Tuscany Region specialized in wildfire prevention, fighting and restoration.  Discussions focused on training programmes and forest restoration interventions following wildfires—an increasingly critical area of expertise for Mediterranean landscapes. A practical example was shared through the experience of Calci following the 2018 fire and the subsequent restoration efforts.

The Mediterranean Model Forest Network extends its sincere thanks to the Turkish delegation for their interest, cooperation, and constructive engagement throughout the visit, as well as to FAO and all partners and local stakeholders who contributed to the programme.