Within the scope of the Regional Development-Focused Mission Differentiation and Specialization Program carried out by the Council of Higher Education, Kastamonu University, which specializes in forestry and nature tourism, continues its academic, scientific, and application-oriented studies in this context. 

The studies conducted by the Specialization Coordination Directorate for Forestry and Nature Tourism, located within our university, focus on the conservation, planning, and sustainable management of the natural resources in the Western Black Sea Region. 

In the activities carried out by the coordination, forestry, nature tourism, and ecotourism are among the priority areas of work. The region's forest resources, biodiversity, and natural tourism potential are being addressed through scientific projects, field studies, and institutional collaborations. The academic outputs obtained within the scope of the ongoing studies aim to produce practical results. 

Within the framework of specialization studies, international collaborations are being carried out in addition to national projects. Our university aims to enhance knowledge and experience sharing through joint studies conducted with universities and institutions from various countries, while also incorporating current approaches in forestry and nature tourism into academic research.

The specialization approach is based on the principle of utilizing academic knowledge accumulation together with the infrastructure and human resources of our University. In this context, while the principle of financial and institutional sustainability is observed, efforts to attract investors to the region continue. The aim of the activities carried out is to contribute to the economic structure of Kastamonu and the Western Black Sea Region and to increase employment opportunities. 

Within the scope of specialization studies, joint projects are being undertaken with public institutions, representatives from the private sector, and universities. Thanks to these studies, which are carried out through interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaborations, it is possible to apply academic knowledge across various fields. Additionally, activities are being carried out to raise public awareness on nature conservation and sustainable tourism through public education, workshops, and information events.

As part of the specialization efforts carried out to date, a total of 64 projects have been supported, with an approximate investment of 72 million TL. Scientific and practical studies are being conducted within the framework of protocols signed with the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion, the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, the General Directorate of Forestry, as well as various universities and institutions. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that the ongoing studies are part of our University's long-term strategic vision and made the following assessment: Forestry and nature tourism are among the areas directly related to Kastamonu's natural structure and the opportunities it offers. We prioritize translating academic studies conducted in these areas into practical applications. We believe it is essential that the knowledge produced contributes to our region and country, particularly our province, and is shared with public institutions, sector stakeholders, and the community. As part of its specialization efforts in forestry and nature tourism, our university addresses scientific research, educational activities, and field applications in a coordinated manner. In this direction, we aim to contribute to the protection and planned, sustainable use of our province's and region's natural resources through the projects and collaborations we develop.