The afforestation activities carried out for the purpose of social responsibility: a case study

Abstract

Social responsibility has emerged within the scope of the efforts of enterprises to protect and increase the welfare of society as well as their own benefits. Social responsibility projects have also taken an important place among current public relations activities in terms of contributing positively to the image of the institutions. Today, organizations carry out social responsibility projects on various issues, from economic development to public health, from education to sports. Undoubtedly, the nature and environment-oriented projects have become increasingly widespread in recent years. Afforestation activities are also included in this scope. The study aims to provide information about social responsibility projects on afforestation studies and evaluate the content of these studies. In this context, the “81 Forests in 81 Cities” project realized by Türkiye İş Bankası was chosen as the sample case. This project was selected because it is the most comprehensive one in Turkey, covering a large area and long duration. In the study, the structured interview technique was used as the essential data collection method, and questions on the aims and process of the project and the results achieved were taken place. The data were evaluated qualitatively. In the light of the findings, the necessity of carrying out activities on raising awareness of the target audience, using appropriate planting techniques, and maintaining replacement planting and stand tending activities have emerged in such studies. It is clear that social responsibility projects that can be carried out in both afforestation and other areas of forestry will have a positive reflection on the enterprises that carry out and support the project, as well as make significant contributions to the society in terms of environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects. At this point, it is vital to support the creation of ideas for social responsibility projects related to nature and forestry and to develop incentives.