Bursa Technical University (BTU), first Urban Forestry Graduate Program in Turkey ready to accept students.
It is reported that the first Urban Forestry Graduate Program in Turkey opened in the Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences in BTU is designed as an interdisciplinary program. Urban Forestry Program is accepting graduate students from Forest Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning and Forest Industry Engineering departments in 2015-2016 Fall semester.
Under the program, which will give a master's degree in urban forestry, the theoretical and practical work on urban forestry and national and international research will be carried out. Head of Department of Urban Fores try Prof.Dr. Mustafa Yilmaz states that the main objective of the program is to train experts on academic research and practical work on urban forestry.
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yilmaz said that the program is the first in Turkey. Prof. Dr. Yilmaz states that the program covers planning, design, and installation naturally found or artificial plant trees, tree groups, and forest areas, in accordance with the public interest, that include interdisciplinary subjects dealing with conservation and management processes, and also the aim is to provide training to relevant private sector members, occupational groups working on these issues, the local government officials, and manufacturers.
80% of the population in Turkey lives in the cities said Prof.Dr. Mustafa Yilmaz and continued: “Urban housing and environmental issues are basic problems due to the rapid population growth in cities. Expectations from the forestry diverge in parallel to the socio-economic and socio-cultural developments in the cities. Recreational use of forests and trees, aesthetics, relaxation functionalities are some of those expectations. Especially since 1980s, urban forestry has been the subject of several meetings and publications in our country. On the other hand, General Directorate of Forestry has begun implementing "An Urban Forest in Every City" project since 2004. Urban forestry is one of the most important services of the local government which includes costly activities ".
"In developed countries urban forestry programs exist in many years, but Urban Forestry Master Program is the first academic program opened with this name in our country. The level of urban forestry in the world and the demand in our country has shown the need for establishing such a program in Turkey. In order to contribute to these important interdisciplinary needs of our country, it is important to launch such joint program in our university. "
Bursa, is one of the richest cities in terms of forestry assets said Prof. Dr. Yilmaz, where many woody species can be found with a large biodiversity. Residential areas exist in Bursa and the neighborhoods for 4-5 thousand years and there is a deep urban culture said Prof.Dr. Yilmaz and continued: "Today's actions defined as urban forestry applied traditionally in Bursa in the history and experienced. Bursa, with its history, advanced industry and urban culture is one of the most appropriate city in terms of academic study and application to the Urban Forestry ".
