Within the scope of the “GreenS4BlackSea – Protection of Virgin Forests as a Green Solution for the Black Sea” Project, supported under the European Union NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme (Interreg VI-B), the project team gathered in Artvin and conducted investigations in a potential virgin forest area within the framework of the methodology agreed upon as a result of meetings and consultations held with stakeholders. Fieldwork was carried out in this potential virgin forest area located in the Saçinka region, within the boundaries of the Artvin Regional Directorate of Forestry, Artvin Forest Enterprise Directorate, and Deriner Forest Sub-District Directorate, with the participation of approximately 40 people and accompanied by nine field vehicles provided by the Artvin Regional Directorate of Forestry and the Provincial Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. During the field study, on-site applications related to measurement, observation, and assessment processes were conducted within the framework of the methodology to be used for the identification of virgin forests.

Preliminary assessments were carried out in line with the objectives of the project in this area, where human impact is limited in terms of the undisturbed natural structure of forest ecosystems, rich biological diversity components, and habitat characteristics.

The meetings conducted within the scope of the project and the studies carried out in potential forest areas were undertaken to generate scientific data for the identification, mapping, and conservation of virgin forest areas.

Within the scope of the GreenS4BlackSea Project, field studies in different areas, expert meetings, and joint technical activities are planned to continue in the forthcoming period.