Press Releases

“Forest fire management in Cyprus with an emphasis on prevention”

It is an honour to address you today at the Nicosia Risk Forum 2024, a pivotal event that has firmly established itself as an inspiration of collaboration for disaster risk reduction and resilience building. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the organisers for the invitation, particularly CERIDES of the European University Cyprus, and congratulate them for the initiative to organise this important event today, under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus.

The theme of the Nicosia Risk Forum 2024, “Safety, Security and Climate Crisis Challenges”, is both timely and critical. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the global crisis created by the impacts of climate change and discuss ways to mitigate, adapt and build resilience, safety and security.

Climate change is undeniably the defining challenge of our era. Its impacts are indisputable and increasingly severe, with heatwaves, droughts, floods, storms and other extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe. Cyprus, as a Mediterranean country, has been acutely experiencing the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, prolonged draughts, water scarcity and extreme weather events, such as extended heatwaves. Projections estimate exacerbation of the current situation, with adverse effects on many sectors, including forest ecosystems.

Among the most visible and immediate consequences of climate change are wildfires, which contribute to tree migration, deforestation and pest and pathogens outbreaks.The intensification of fires demand urgent and effective solutions rooted in scientific knowledge and effective practices.

The Government of Cyprus is fully committed to preventing forest fires and mitigating their devastating impacts. According to the “National Risk Assessment of the Republic of Cyprus for 2018”, forest fires present the highest level of risk compared to other natural hazards. In response, we are taking all necessary fire protection measures, with a strong emphasis on strengthening our firefighting capacity. This includes the increase of our human resources, the improvement of aerial firefighting capabilities, the upgrading of fire suppression equipment, and the enhancement of fire prevention infrastructure.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Environment, through its Department of Forests, has implemented an integrated forest fire management system based on three key pillars: prevention, preparedness, and suppression. Our goal is to continuously improve and strengthen this system through a series of targeted measures and actions that enhance our overall capacity to protect our forests.

Examples of this effort that were implemented during the current year include the immediate recruitment of 108 forest firefighters, fireguards and bulldozer operators. Furthermore, the reopening of the Cyprus Forestry College, as approved by the Council of Ministers, will ensure the ongoing professional development of forestry personnel. Additionally, six amended legislations were approved by the Council of Ministers, aiming to modernise the legal framework, introducing new offenses and penalties for violations.

A series of measures with financial incentives have been also introduced to promote prevention in forested areas. They include the launch of a pilot program of controlled grazing, the cultivation of abandoned fields, the implementation of vegetation management measures in forested areas, as well as 100% financing for community complexes adjacent to forest areas to acquire vegetation shredders.

The implementation of a comprehensive plan is also underway, utilising technology to enhance the existing system for forest surveillance, fire detection, and image transfer to Operations Centres. The first phase of implementation of the plan, aimed at initial operational readiness, has been completed. In this context, electro-optical automatic fire detection systems that have been installed in various forest areas are in use since 2023, and aerial patrols using drones that were supplied for this purpose have been implemented.

Through the Recovery and Resilience (RRP) Plan, during the current year, the Department of Forests has procured 75 personnel transport vehicles and ten special-purpose and all-terrain firefighting vehicles, eight bulldozers, four wheeled excavators, six agricultural tractors and six branch shredders. Using RRP funds, additional fire engines and heavy machinery will be purchased in the next two years, which will further strengthen the operational capabilities of the firefighting forces.

During the 2024 fire season, the Republic of Cyprus deployed eleven primary firefighting aircraft at its disposal – the largest fleet in full operational readiness, compared to previous years. Plans to acquire ten privately owned aircraft are in progress, with legal procedures for their acquisition underway.

Furthermore, under a government decision, this year’s fire season has been extended, as it began in April instead of May and ended in November instead of October. Moreover, at a meeting at the Presidential Palace held in March, it was decided to gradually incorporate the Firefighting Aircraft Unit into the National Guard. Lastly, the process for the creation of a Ground Forest Fire Fighting (GFFF) Module and its registration in the European Union (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism is underway. Upon completion, the GFFF module of the Republic of Cyprus will be able to respond to assistance missions for extinguishing forest fires abroad, with the participation of members from the Department of Forestry, the Fire Service, the Civil Defence and the Ambulance Service.

Dear friends,

While our national efforts are robust, the nature of climate change demands regional and international collaboration. Cyprus is proud to lead initiatives such as the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative, launched under the leadership of the President of Cyprus. This initiative brings together regional stakeholders to address shared climate risks through knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and joint research.

Equally inspiring are cross-border collaborations like the CLIMACT National Climate Network in Greece, which unites experts and policymakers to craft and implement effective climate adaptation strategies. These initiatives serve as examples of how cooperation can amplify our impact.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Prevention remains our first line of defence.

By protecting our forests from fires, we are not only preserving an invaluable natural asset, but also protecting the cultural heritage and the complex relationship between humanity and nature that has developed over the centuries. Indeed, we are protecting our existence on this changing and threatened planet. The protection and conservation of our forests are of critical importance, and achieving this goal requires collective action. It is only by acting collectively and through fostering cooperative approaches that we can address the challenges of this major problem. To this end, the Government of Cyprus fully supports coordination and cooperation among stakeholders and countries, both within the EU, as well as with neighbouring countries through the conclusion of bilateral agreements. Our vision is to look to the future with optimism and use the problem of forest fires as an opportunity to show the world what the countries in our region can achieve when we work together.

The Nicosia Risk Forum 2024 reminds us of what we can achieve through unity and shared purpose. It is a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and advancing solutions that enhance resilience across our region. As we deliberate on the challenges and opportunities ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to action.

Cyprus is ready to lead and to learn, advancing initiatives that are innovative, inclusive, and impactful. Together, we can transform the Mediterranean region into a model of resilience, ensuring that our communities are not only protected from the impacts of climate change but are also empowered to thrive in the face of it.

In closing, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the participants, organisers, and all those who have contributed to the success of this important event. I wish you all a productive and fruitful meeting, and I am confident that the outcomes of this forum will help us in addressing the critical issue of forest fires more effectively. I am positive that the discussion in the Nicosia Risk Forum will broaden our thinking and understanding in such a way that we can enrich our vision and strategies for the benefit of our society and future generations.

Thank you.

(EFys/AP/GS)