Bulgaria, Türkiye strengthen cooperation on forest fire prevention
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Prof. Dr. Ivan Paligorov and Hasan Türkyılmaz, President of the Chamber of Forest Engineers in Türkiye.
The meeting was held at the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Food and was also attended by Stoyan Toshev, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Forest Agency.
FOCUS ON FOREST FIRE PREVENTION
The officials emphasized the importance of sharing experience and best practices in preventing forest fires, responding rapidly to outbreaks and coordinating firefighting operations.
Paligorov highlighted the potential benefits of exchanging experience in wildfire prevention, early warning and emergency response, particularly in the Strandzha Mountains and southeastern Bulgaria.
He said such cooperation could also contribute to strengthening good-neighborly relations between Bulgaria and Türkiye.
COORDINATION IN BORDER AREAS
Toshev noted that Bulgaria and Türkiye use different approaches to forest management, emphasizing the importance of exchanging expertise to ensure coordinated action when wildfires affect areas near the two countries' shared border.
Türkyılmaz and the delegation accompanying him also expressed an interest in examining the work of forest management authorities in northeastern Bulgaria, including measures addressing forest dieback and deterioration in wooded areas.
The discussions therefore covered both emergency wildfire response and longer-term forest management challenges.
OFFICIALS TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY FORUM
Representatives from both countries are also scheduled to participate in the International Forestry Trade Union Forum in Romania from September 15 to 18, 2026.
The forum is expected to address sustainable forest management, shared responsibility and social dialogue in the face of global challenges affecting forests.
The latest discussions between Bulgaria and Türkiye reflect efforts to expand practical cooperation in forest protection and wildfire management, particularly in areas where cross-border coordination can be important.
