Significant efforts are being made to raise environmental awareness among children and young people from an early age and to strengthen sustainable environmental consciousness across all segments of society, with a particular focus on preventing forest fires. In this context, the "From Roots to Future: Cooperation" protocol, signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of National Education, has established a strong framework for collaboration in nature education, fostering appreciation for forests, and increasing public awareness of fire prevention.
Within the framework of this protocol, the "My School, Solution for the Future" initiative aims to enhance educational activities for children and young people, enabling students to build a stronger connection with nature and develop a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age. The ultimate goal is to raise environmentally conscious individuals not only for today but also for the future.
Forest Schools activities carried out by our General Directorate stand out as one of the most important practical implementations of these objectives. Within this scope, various educational materials are being developed to instill a love of nature in students, provide fundamental knowledge about forest ecosystems, raise awareness of biodiversity, and, in particular, increase awareness of forest fires. These materials are intended for use in both formal education settings and Forest School practices, where students can engage directly with nature.
These educational materials are not intended to be limited to face-to-face activities in specific locations. They will also be transferred to a digital environment accessible to teachers, students, and relevant stakeholders through web-based platforms. This approach aims to reach a wider audience, diversify content for different age groups, and ensure nationwide dissemination.
In line with these efforts, a Forest Schools Workshop was held in Antalya from April 15 to 18, 2026, with the participation of personnel from our General Directorate and the Ministry of National Education. The workshop provided an important platform for bringing together experts from relevant institutions to evaluate ongoing work and collaboratively shape a future roadmap.
During the workshop, the development of educational content for children and young people was discussed from multiple perspectives. Key topics included pedagogical suitability, age-group structuring, implementation methods, field integration, usability for teachers, and digital accessibility. In addition, participants exchanged views on ensuring that the materials not only convey information but also stimulate curiosity, strengthen students' connection with nature, and support behavioral change.
The workshop also addressed strategies for the nationwide dissemination of educational content, inter-institutional coordination during implementation, and the effective use of digital infrastructure. In this regard, the workshop went beyond evaluating existing preparations and contributed to making the Forest Schools program more systematic, accessible, and sustainable.