UN awards ‘Forest Heroes’ in Istanbul

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

Turkish environmentalist Hayrettin Karaca (R) receives a ‘Forest Hero’ award along with five other activists in a ceremony in Istanbul. AA photo

Five people who have done extraordinary work for their communities and forests were recognized as “Forest Heroes” at an award ceremony that took place in Istanbul today.

The awards were presented as 197 member states meet at the 10th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.

In addition to the Forests Heroes from Brazil, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey and the U.S., the winners of the International Forest Short Film Festival and the International Forest Photograph competition also received awards.

Turkish environmentalist Hayrettin Karaca, who co-founded the TEMA foundation that has grown into an international movement that combats soil erosion and protects natural habitats, was one of those who received a hero award.

Other Forest Heroes included Dr. Rose Mukankomeje from Rwanda; Ariel Lugo, a scientist from Puerto Rico; Almir
Narayamoga Surui from the Paiter-Surui tribe in the Amazon, Brazil; and Preecha Siri from Thailand. Atakan Baykal of Turkey received award for his photograph.