Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Bafra Campus celebrated “World Forestry Week” with a tree-planting ceremony.

The campus, which houses the Faculty of Tourism, Bafra Faculty of Business, and Bafra Vocational School of Tourism, saw the collaboration between OMU and the Bafra Directorate of Forestry to plant new trees.

During the ceremony, to commemorate the significance of "World Forestry Week," Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal and protocol members planted 1,100 ginkgo biloba trees, known for their broad leaves. The event saw the participation of Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selim Eren, University Secretary-General Prof. Dr. İdris Varıcı, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Prof. Dr. Yetkin Bulut, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Muharrem Özcan, Director of OMU Agricultural Research and Application Dr. Hasan Akay, Director of Bafra Vocational School of Tourism Dr. Seyfullah Gül, Director of Bafra Forestry Mustafa Bayraktar, administrative staff, students of OMU, Principal of Private Bafra Aday Elementary School Aybüke Ergün, and her students.

Rector Ünal: "We Aim to Afforest the Entire 50 Acres of Bafra Campus"

Before the tree planting began, Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal emphasized the legacy nature of preserving and afforesting nature for future generations, stating, “We plan to create a forest area of 50 acres within a 300-acre space on Bafra Campus. Although we are starting with a 10-acre area this year, we aim to afforest the entire 50 acres in the coming years. Today, we seize the opportunity to create a quality living space in the face of global climate change. The afforested area will be a living space where our youth can enjoy the scenery, even if they can’t sit among the trees. Future generations will benefit from the trees we plant today. Hence, it’s crucial not only to plant these trees but also to ensure their survival. We must not leave them to fend for themselves. By watering and maintaining them, we fulfill our greatest responsibility. We hope this culture of responsibility will be passed down to future generations."

"The same care given to feeding a hungry animal should be extended to maintaining a planted tree"

Highlighting the importance of tree planting and environmental stewardship, Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal called for everyone to be mindful of their role, adding, "Tree planting or loving trees is often seen as a popular behavior. We need to transform this into a mobilization, a way of life. We must recognize the irreplaceable benefits trees, greenery, and nature offer to life and their indispensable role in the ecosystem. Just as we make a special effort to feed a hungry animal, we should show the same care to ensure a planted tree stands tall. Looking at the international scene, we see that our university has risen from 519th in the GreenMetric in 2021 to the current 340th. Our aim is not to concrete over nature, which is a part of our life, but to revive it. If affection is not nurtured for the miraculous creations of the Creator, the universe, and nature, they will inevitably become mundane. Ultimately, people will fail to recognize the beauty of the world they are a part of.”

Following Rector Ünal’s speech, participants collaboratively planted 1,100 ginkgo biloba trees. The event concluded with a commemorative photo session.