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The 'Eyes of the Forest' Project Adds 5 Fire Observation Towers
Anadolu Sigorta's 'Eyes of the Forest' project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Forestry for the protection of forest assets, continues to progress rapidly. Following the completion of the installation of the fire tower in Adana last year, an additional 4 fire observation towers will be put into service in 2023. With the activation of these towers, a total of 245,000 hectares of land will be monitored, providing support in the fight against forest fires.
Anadolu Sigorta, which operates with a vision of creating economic, environmental, and social added value, and advances its leadership in the insurance sector with socially impactful projects, is launching 4 new fire observation towers as part of the "Eyes of the Forest" project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Forestry.
As part of the "Eyes of the Forest" project, which holds vital importance for early intervention in wildfires, Anadolu Sigorta has undertaken the renewal of observation towers and the construction of new unmanned fire observation towers. In December 2022, Anadolu Sigorta completed and put into service the first tower in Adana. In 2023, four additional observation towers, the second in Muğla, Antalya, Çanakkale, and Adana, will be inaugurated.
With a rapid communication system and advanced technological equipment, these five towers will ensure the uninterrupted monitoring of 245,000 hectares of forest land 24/7. With the project, it is also aimed to continue to protect forest assets in the coming years by drawing attention to early intervention and to raise awareness of individuals.
"One of the most critical global challenges of our time is climate change"
Mehmet Tuğtan, the CEO of Anadolu Sigorta, pointed out that climate change mitigation takes the top spot on the sustainability agenda worldwide and said: “One of our focal points is combating climate change, which is considered one of the most critical global issues of our time and has a significant impact on our industry. Additionally, in the effective projects we have implemented with a responsible company approach, we prioritize sustainability. The "Eyes of the Forest" project we initiated last year is also a product of this perspective.” Tuğtan added: “As a result of climate change, especially in the last two years, we have experienced a significant increase in wildfires both in our country and globally. It is an undeniable fact that this risk will continue to grow each passing year. In the face of this reality, there is a substantial duty and responsibility not only on government institutions but also on individuals and companies to combat it. With this understanding, Anadolu Sigorta took a step last year by collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Forestry, to protect our forest assets. The General Directorate of Forestry works tirelessly and with great dedication in combating fires across Turkey. And we have joined this effort as a part of the structure. Our Adana tower, which we put into operation last year, played an effective role in preventing wildfires in the region this summer, enabling the early detection and monitoring of 11 potentially dangerous forest fires.”
"The 'Eyes of the Forest' has reached 5 towers"
Berna Semiz Ergüntan, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Coordinator at Anadolu Sigorta, stated that as part of the "Eyes of the Forest" project, 4 more fire observation towers will be completed and put into operation this year, bringing the total to 5 towers and said: “One of the most significant challenges we have been facing in recent years, especially in the context of climate change, is the increasing number and duration of forest fires. In our current era, where temperatures are rising and seasons are blending together, it is disheartening to see that wildfires are no longer limited to the summer season. This is not just a problem affecting people but a colossal global issue that impacts the entire ecosystem. We are pleased to contribute, even if it's just a small part, to the resolution of this major problem through the "Eyes of the Forest" project. One of our most important goals is to raise awareness about combating climate change. We will continue to support this fight by putting new towers into operation as part of the project.”
Adana Tower enabled early intervention in 11 fires
The "Eyes of the Forest" project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Directorate General of Forestry by Anadolu Sigorta, has established its first tower. This tower is responsible for continuous surveillance of a wide area, primarily covering the Seyhan Dam Lake Basin and Çukurova University Campus, which are vital parts of Adana's ecosystem.
The second fire tower, which has been put into service in Adana, is located in Zorkun Plateau. Additionally, an unmanned fire observation tower in Gökçeada is situated in Dereköy. In Muğla, where forest fires are a frequent concern, another tower is under construction on the summit of Palamut Mountain at an altitude of 950 meters. The tower in Antalya is located within the Alaaddin Keykubat Youth Camp, which falls under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. In total, five fire towers will be activated as part of the project, providing support in combating forest fires by monitoring an area of 245,000 hectares.
The Adana Balcalı Automatic Fire Observation Tower System, in 2023, played a significant role in detecting and tracking 11 forest fires that posed a danger and contributed to the coordination of the nearest response teams. |
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