LocationsHealing with nature after the earthquakes
March 23, 2026
The EcoRest Project contributes to the recovery process in earthquake-affected provinces through ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, and sustainable livelihoods
The earthquakes of 6 February 2023 deeply affected not only cities but also nature. In the aftermath of the destruction across southern and southeastern Türkiye, shifting population movements, increasing demand for resources, and changing living conditions created new pressures on natural ecosystems.
Forests, water resources, and rural areas became critical components of the post-disaster recovery process. This period once again highlighted how essential ecosystem services—supporting soil fertility, water cycles, and the continuity of life—are for strengthening the resilience of communities.
With this understanding, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, launched the EcoRest Project. The project, which will run for 3.5 years, aims to support ecosystem rehabilitation in earthquake-affected areas while promoting nature-based solutions and strengthening local livelihoods.
Implemented in partnership with the General Directorate of Forestry (GDF) and aligned with its strategic priorities, EcoRest focuses on Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, and Adıyaman—three provinces most affected by the earthquakes. The project brings together interconnected objectives, including ecosystem restoration, scaling up of nature-based solutions, raising awareness on disaster risks, and strengthening nature-based livelihoods.
Understanding nature: Assessing ecosystems as a first step
The first step of the project involved a comprehensive assessment of ecosystems in the earthquake-affected regions. Through technical datasets, field visits, and consultations with institutions, the condition of ecosystems was analyzed. The findings revealed that many natural areas had been indirectly affected due to post-earthquake population movements and increased human activity.
Based on these assessments, ecosystem restoration and degraded forest rehabilitation activities were initiated across approximately 450 hectares, particularly in Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, and Hatay.
A new model through nature-based solutions
Afforestation, rehabilitation of degraded forests, erosion control, and planting of income-generating species aim to contribute both to ecological recovery and to the strengthening of local livelihoods.
At the same time, nature-based solutions applicable to forest villages and local administrations are being explored. International best practices are being reviewed, technical guidelines are being developed, and training and partnerships are being planned to strengthen the capacity of local institutions.
The goal is to use nature’s own solutions to make both ecosystems and communities more resilient.
Within the scope of the project, approximately 2,000 people—including local forestry staff, municipal personnel, and community members—will benefit from capacity-building activities, operational guidance materials, and training programmes.
Pilot village: Yukarı Nasırlı
As part of the project, it was also planned to identify a demonstration site for implementing nature-based solutions on the ground.
For this purpose, nine candidate villages were selected from nearly 4,000 forest villages across Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, and Hatay. These villages were evaluated based on 17 criteria, including demographic structure, socio-economic activities, water resources, ecosystem conditions, and community interest.
Following field visits and technical analyses, Yukarı Nasırlı Village in Gölbaşı district of Adıyaman was selected as the pilot village.
Based on the preliminary assessments, nature-based solutions tailored to the village’s environmental and socio-economic conditions are planned to be implemented. These include potential interventions such as sustainable water resource management, waste management practices, ecosystem rehabilitation, and afforestation with income-generating species.
The specific activities will be shaped through consultations with local communities and relevant stakeholders, considering technical feasibility, local needs, income generation potential, and long-term ecological benefits.
These interventions aim to support both ecosystem recovery and the development of sustainable livelihoods in the village.
The pilot village is envisioned as a model learning and implementation site. The knowledge and experience gained here are expected to be replicated in around 20 additional villages.
A greener future along fault lines
One of the innovative components of the project is the concept of “Green Fault Lines.”
This approach aims to promote ecosystem restoration and afforestation along earthquake fault lines, increasing carbon sequestration while strengthening disaster awareness. In line with publicly available geological data and technical reports from relevant national institutions, it is planned to map fault lines and design ecosystem-based interventions accordingly.
This approach presents an innovative model that brings together disaster risk management and nature-based solutions.
Local residents are an active part of the process. Community members—especially women and youth—are involved in project activities and take part in decision-making and implementation processes.
As nature heals, life grows stronger
The EcoRest Project offers a holistic approach that brings together ecological recovery and social resilience. It aims to scale up nature-based solutions, strengthen institutional capacity, and establish a model that contributes to long-term post-disaster recovery.
Restoring nature, improving soil productivity, protecting water resources, and supporting biodiversity also help communities prepare more strongly for the future.
Because as nature heals, life becomes stronger again.
Related
content
content
