Our Concerns
Extreme weather conditions such as drought, frost and storms are factors that adversely affect agricultural production. These weather conditions also have an impact on the existing soil structure and biology. In the case of drought, the soil structure dries out and struggles to provide the water and nutrients necessary for soil microbiology and plant growth. Similarly, frost events result in freezing and damaging of plants.
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Tillage and irrigation techniques used in agricultural practices affect soil and plant structure. Improper or excessive irrigation disturb the water balance of the soil and weaken the root system of plants. In addition, the use of expensive and toxic inputs (GMOs, synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides) adversely affect soil, water, air, plant, animal and ultimately human health.
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Diseases are also an important challenge in agriculture. Plant diseases reduce crop yields and adversely affect quality of food and food security. It is therefore important to adopt appropriate farming methods and disease control measures to prevent the spread of diseases.
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Monoculture is an agricultural practice in which a single plant species is intensively cultivated. It results in lack of biodiversity and increases the risk of disease and pest organisms spreading. Therefore, diversified farming practices must be encouraged.
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Another great challenge is the erosion of the value of food in a speculative market environment and the negative impacts on farmers. Marketing weaknesses, price insecurity and weaknesses in social organisation make it very difficult for farmers to market their produce at an affordable price.
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Other factors affecting agricultural production include farmers’ lack of enthusiasm and motivation, lack of knowledge and skilled labour. These factors are significant barriers to productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector and therefore the future security of food.
Finally, lack of biodiversity, biomass and accumulated organic matter in the soil affects soil fertility and hydrological cycles of the region negatively, essentially leading to increased soil temperatures and lack of water.
What are Functional Forests (FF) and what do they propose ?
is a methodology initiated by aLp Pir, a forest gardener based in KöyceÄŸiz, MuÄŸla – Turkey. This methodology aims to address the challenges described above by designing, implementing, managing, measuring, monitoring, and disseminating purpose-driven Functional Forests. The FF methodology is continually developed by our core team, which is based in KöyceÄŸiz and is focused on scientific and traditional wisdom.
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FF draws inspiration from wild forest ecosystems and incorporates principles of agroecology, permaculture, regenerative farming and syntropic farming.
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The goal of Functional Forests,
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Is to transform the food system in Turkey by promoting the FF methodology as a sustainable and resilient solution
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Contribute to food security and ecosystem health by sustainably producing diverse, nutritious, and non-toxic foods, fodder, fuel, fiber, and building materials.
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Catalyze ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil regeneration, water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and climate adaptation.
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Demonstrate that FF is a better alternative, in terms of no external inputs, to conventional and organic farming methods that are resource-intensive, lack biodiversity, and are environmentally damaging.
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Share knowledge and experience with other farmers, producers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers interested in FF and its benefits.
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Support disaster relief and recovery efforts by restoring ecosystem health and providing livelihood opportunities for affected communities.
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Install disaster-ready, purpose-driven, living systems in urban and rural settings.
The main activities of FF,
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Designing purpose-driven FF (e.g., for food, fodder, fuel, fiber, building materials, and/or windbreaks, sun/frostbreaks, soundbreaks, firebreaks, living fences, pollinator frames, living supermarkets, animal management systems, etc.) based on site- and culture-specific conditions, needs, and goals.
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Implementing FF using plant selection and establishment techniques, as well as earthworks, water management, and suitable soil management systems.
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Managing functional forests using pruning, mulching, harvesting, and pest control methods.
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Measuring and monitoring functional forests using indicators such as biomass, yield, biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and carbon footprint.
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Disseminating FF through online platforms, publications, presentations, workshops, and field visits.
The expected results of FF,
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Increased production and consumption of diverse, nutritious, and non-toxic foods, fodder, fuel, fiber, and building materials.
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Improved ecosystem health and function through carbon sequestration, soil regeneration, water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and climate adaptation.
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Substantially reduced environmental impact and resource use compared to conventional and organic farming methods.
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Increased awareness and adoption of FF among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers.
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Enhanced resilience and recovery of ecosystems and communities affected by disasters.
The primary target group of FF,
is smallholder farmers who own or have access to land suitable for agroforestry practices. These farmers will be involved in the project as co-designers, co-implementers, and co-managers of FF. They will also benefit from the increased income, food security, nutrition, and environmental quality that FF provides.
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The secondary target group of FF,
includes large scale farmers, consumers, researchers, and policymakers interested in learning more about FF and its impacts on food systems (life support systems) and ecosystems. These stakeholders will be involved in the project as co-evaluators, co-disseminators, and co-adopters of FF. They will also benefit from the improved knowledge, awareness, and advocacy generated by FF.
