Ankara: Trkiye has identified and placed under protection 10,503 monumental trees and 319 caves across the nation, as reported by the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change to Anadolu.

According to Anadolu Agency, the registered monumental trees and caves are safeguarded, with their upkeep ensured by relevant authorities. The ministry elaborated that monumental trees, based on their dimensional and cultural attributes, are categorized into four distinct groups: dimensional, historical, folkloric, and mystical.

Cultural monumental trees are distinguished by specific attributes, such as having witnessed a historical event or figure, being revered through religious belief, or having been part of local customs and traditions, whether periodically or during significant events. A tree is deemed dimensionally monumental when its age, crown spread, trunk diameter, and height significantly exceed the typical standards for its species.

The ministry described the restoration process for monumental trees, which begins immediately after they are registered and protected. Rehabilitation includes removing mistletoe, harmful fungi, ivy, dry and diseased branches, and foreign objects like ropes and wires that damage the trees. Specialists also disinfect trees showing signs of fungal and bacterial infections, using a staged cutting method to prevent bark peeling during pruning of thick and dry branches. The cut surfaces are coated with grafting paste to prevent decay. Additionally, any concrete, asphalt, or other artificial hard surfaces surrounding the tree's root collar are carefully removed, and the area is refilled with soil enriched with long-lasting nutrients and fertilizers to encourage healthy root growth.

Projects are actively being conducted in various regions to identify and preserve caves as natural heritage sites. These efforts include both caves already under protection and lesser-known caves that have yet to gain official status. Consequently, the number of caves registered as natural heritage sites in Trkiye has now reached 319.