Saplings planted to revitalize forests in Yaka Region
Led by the Young Academics Community under the Western Thrace Minority Higher Education Graduates Association (BTAYTD), a sapling planting campaign was organized on November 2 to restore forests damaged by last year's fires in the Yaka region of Rodopi. The event aimed to revive the forested areas affected by the fire, with over 300 trees planted around the villages of Susurköy and Kozlardere.
Attendees included Türkiye’s Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal, and his wife İlayda Ünal; DEB Party President Çiğdem Asafoğlu; Mayor of Iasmos, Caner İmam; Deputy Mayor of Susurköy Mehmet Arif; BTAYTD President Hüseyin Baltacı; Young Academics Community President Emre Kamil; as well as numerous young participants and representatives from minority institutions.
BTAYTD President Baltacı emphasized the event as a symbol of peace and hope, stating, “The saplings planted here today are seeds of goodwill for the future.” Emre Kamil highlighted the importance of youth engagement in sustainable community projects. Mayor İmam expressed gratitude for the campaign, noting the significance of the location where last year’s fires first began.
The Consul General and his wife planted the first sapling, followed by the young participants, who planted various tree species. Newly planted saplings were watered by municipal teams to ensure their growth.
