Significance of Model Forest Stakeholders in the Management of Sustainable Forest Resources: The Case of Yalova Model Forest, Turkey

Success of model forests, which are organized to support sustainable management of forests in collaboration with environmental, social, and economic forces on forest-based large territories, depends on the development of civil society index dimensions defined as “stakeholder participation,” “organizational structure,” “environment,” “values,” and “impact.” In this study, which was carried out within the scope of Yalova Model Forest, situation analysis strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was used as a method. Literature and official documents, expert opinions on “stakeholder engagement,” and data obtained through a 30-question survey were used as material. In this study, “historical development,”“legal regulations,” “activities” of Yalova Model Forest and weaknesses, strengths, opportunities, threats of civil society index and strategies pertaining to them were determined. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was conducted by forming four separate focus groups for four dimensions of the Yalova Model Forest civil society index. According to the results of this study, the stakeholder participation dimension was concluded to be exceedingly inadequate. This is evidenced by advocate stakeholders’ insufficient participation rates in activities, absence of adverse stakeholders in this reconciliation platform, and the fact that 99% of dormant–indifferent stakeholders are unaware of this organization’s existence. Therefore, stakeholder participation dimension should be strengthened and the strategic plans that will be implemented should be prepared with the participation of stakeholders. Otherwise, Yalova Model Forest’s existence, as a civil society organization, will be jeopardized. However, active advocate stakeholders’ enthusiasm about resolving problems is reassuring for the future of Yalova Model Forest.