February 17, 2026 – Istanbul, Türkiye. Three years ago, when earthquakes deeply affected Türkiye, Amazon provided relief supplies and essential items to the region. Today, with the announced program, Amazon is providing €1.5 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the restoration of natural ecosystems in the earthquake-affected region. This support marks the first investment in Türkiye by Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund (RNCF), which supports initiatives that protect and restore nature around the world.

The project implemented by UNDP with Amazon’s funding will be carried out in alignment with priorities set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, the General Directorate of Forestry (GDF), the government agency responsible for the protection and management of forests. While supporting the restoration of nature in earthquake-affected areas, the project aims to create more resilient communities in the face of future natural disasters and generate economic opportunities for the region. In this context, habitat restoration will be a key focus of recovery efforts. Amazon's support includes nature solutions such as establishing artificial wetlands for wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting systems, sustainable compost production, seedling planting and the establishment of community-based seedbanks, subject to technical feasibility assessments. These efforts aim to contribute to the development of new livelihoods in the disaster-affected region. 

The earthquakes that occurred three years ago caused significant loss of life and property in 11 provinces in the South and South-East Anatolia. The earthquakes also affected important ecosystems in the region. Based on restoration priorities defined by GDF, the UNDP has identified areas where nature rehabilitation activities can provide the highest benefit to forest villagers and ecosystems in the region.

The work will primarily begin in Yukarı Nasırlı Village in Adıyaman. This village serves as a model for scaling up to other affected areas. UNDP will provide operational guidelines, equipment, and training for approximately 2,000 people, including local forestry and municipal staff as well as community members. The pilot village will serve as a learning and demonstration hub, enabling trained participants to replicate these activities in an estimated 20 other villages.

The project will restore approximately 200 hectares, in addition to 250 hectares being restored by GDF through afforestation, erosion control and ecosystem rehabilitation. Together, these projects will support environmental recovery from earthquake-related damage while strengthening the resilience of the ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Bekir Karacabey, Director General of Forestry, Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, said: “Preparing for climate-driven disasters is more critical than ever. The devastation caused by the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye underscores the urgent need for robust disaster readiness. Addressing environmental challenges in harmony with nature delivers far better outcomes than attempting to fight them. Through this approach, we can strengthen rural communities and enhance their resilience. For nearly two centuries, the General Directorate of Forestry has been managing Türkiye’s forests with a strong focus on sustainability. This deep-rooted experience and our ambition will make significant contributions to achieving the project’s goals and further strengthening Türkiye’s disaster preparedness.”

Miodrag Dragisic, UNDP Türkiye Deputy Resident Representative, said: “Nature projects are central to the idea of ‘building back better.’ With Amazon’s generous support, we are confident that we can identify and address some of the most significant environmental threats that the earthquakes have created for forest villages in the region.”

Burak Erdem, Retail General Manager of Amazon Türkiye, said: “We initiated our immediate relief efforts the day after the devastating earthquakes in 2023, and since then, we have never wavered in our support for the region. Today, we are raising the bar in our support for Türkiye’s long-term future. This project will contribute to the rehabilitation of earthquake-affected ecosystems — while creating sustainable livelihoods — proving that environmental and economic recovery go hand in hand.”

UNDP is hoping that Amazon’s initial seed funding will be a catalyst for further investments, since the analysis and mapping conducted are meant to inform future rehabilitation strategies. UNDP also plans to share the guidelines for ecosystem restoration and nature-based employment developed through the project globally.