Within the boundaries of the Şile Forest Management Directorate, a rich diversity in terms of ecosystem services attracts attention. While non-wood forest products such as bay leaves, strawberry tree fruit, St. John's wort, and heather brooms are collected and utilized for commercial and local use, high-value products like heather honey, chestnut honey (geographically indicated), and oak honey are among the important sources of income. There are honey forests and honey routes in the region, and beekeeping is practiced intensively both commercially and as a hobby. Maritime pine resin production continues, but a decrease is observed in products like chestnut honey and mushrooms due to climate change and forest management methods. In terms of water resources, Darlık and Ömerli Dams provide drinking water to Istanbul, but flood control works gain importance in areas with flood risk such as Pot and Ağva Streams. Besides this, the region has significant potential for tourism, recreation, and nature education. However, threats such as urbanization pressure, mining activities, and the impact of invasive species are among the priority problems awaiting solutions for the sustainable management of ecosystem services.
Wildlife: Wild Boar, Fox, Jackal, Roe Deer, Woodcock
Provisioning Services: Non-wood forest products
Regulating Services: Water resource management, Flood control works
Cultural Services: Tourism, recreation, and nature education
Vulnerable Forest Ecosystem Service Areas
Şile and Yeşilvadi Forests (Yeşilvadi and Şile Forest Management Chiefdoms)
Located in eastern Istanbul near the Black Sea coast, the Yeşilvadi and Şile Forest Management Chiefdoms host rich forest landscapes featuring broadleaf woodlands, stream ecosystems, and shaded resting areas. These features make the area a popular destination during the summer months for recreational activities.
However, uncontrolled camping and picnicking, unregulated vehicle access, littering, and the deterioration of forest paths have caused habitat fragmentation and disrupted ecological cycles. In addition to these pressures, a significant biotic stress has emerged in recent years within the Şile Forest Management area in the form of rapidly spreading chestnut blight. The disease, affecting chestnut trees—one of the dominant species in the area—has serious implications for forest health and biodiversity. Its spread undermines the forest’s carbon sequestration capacity, microclimate regulation, and overall ecosystem services. As such, the region faces a dual vulnerability stemming from both human pressures and biological threats.
Climate change adds yet another layer of fragility. Between 2070 and 2100, average temperatures in the region are projected to rise by 3.3 °C, while precipitation is expected to decrease by 15–25 mm. These changes are likely to directly affect local hydrology and forest moisture regimes, with species such as Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) projected to be particularly vulnerable.
