Forestry expert Wohlleben, speaking to DW, described the use of cyanide in Alamos Gold’s Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları) gold mine project—despite the existence of alternatives and its ban in the EU—as a “double immorality.”

German forestry expert Peter Wohlleben warned that cutting down tens of thousands of trees in Mount Ida for gold extraction could lead to a disaster for Türkiye. Wohlleben, one of Germany’s leading specialists, responded to DW’s questions regarding the Kirazlı gold mine project, which has sparked mass protests in the region.

He criticized the statements of Alamos Gold CEO John McCluskey, who had labeled the protests as “politically motivated unrest” and based on “false information,” saying the company’s claims do not reflect the truth and went on to share striking insights:

What would be the consequence of cutting down tens of thousands of trees in Mount Ida?

Peter Wohlleben:
This would be a disaster, especially for Türkiye. Summer temperatures are already very high, and droughts are increasing in mountainous regions without forest cover. Our research in Germany has shown that forests can reduce summer air temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius. The same applies to Türkiye. Considering climate change—which we know will bring even higher temperatures and more severe drought—every single tree is indispensable.

The Canadian company Alamos Gold plans to use cyanide to extract gold. What is your view on this?

Peter Wohlleben:
Cyanide is extremely toxic. If it contaminates water, it can have devastating consequences for both people and the environment. Ten years ago, a dam in Romania failed, and Türkiye also had a bad experience involving a silver mine disaster due to dam failure. This is why cyanide should never be used. The European Union has banned cyanide since 2010 for valid reasons. Moreover, there are less harmful alternatives. The fact that they are choosing to use cyanide despite having alternatives is, in my view, a double immorality.

The Alamos Gold CEO stated: “You should appreciate that we paid nearly $5 million under the forestry permit,” claiming this would largely be spent on reforestation and that the area would return to its original state within 10 years. Is that possible?

Peter Wohlleben:
It is not possible. Our research in Germany confirms this. We also had virgin forests in Germany, but even 100 years after reforestation, we were unable to recreate a proper forest. Also, 100 young trees cannot replace a single centuries-old tree. The trees being cut down in Türkiye right now are several centuries old, and the saplings that will be planted cannot restore the forest’s ecological quality for hundreds of years. It’s a cheap excuse to say this damage can be compensated. New saplings may make the area appear green, but this does not change the fact that what’s happening is a disaster.

How long would it take for the region to become a forest again?

Peter Wohlleben:
We know from reforestation efforts following coal mining in Germany that it takes at least 500 years for a forest to fully regenerate—and even that is not guaranteed. Yet we are facing urgent threats like climate change and erosion. We do not have 500 years to wait. The best solution is preserving the forests we already have.

Peter Wohlleben’s books on forests are among international bestsellers.

Click here to read the full report.