Reduction of risk of damage caused by wildfires in Cyprus’ forests

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify">The purpose of the project is to reduce fire incidents and forest area burnt to protect valuable landscapes, natural ecosystems and biodiversity across the Troodos range, as well as lives and properties in rural areas. This will be achieved through enhancing the capabilities of the Department of Forests and raising of the public awareness on forest fires danger. Furthermore, the Department of Forest will also upgrade the firefighting equipment, including vehicles, machinery and tools, as well as maintain strategic stocks of necessary firefighting materials, necessary to cope with large fire incidents that may be more frequent in the future as a result of climate change.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Main activities shall include:</p> <ul> <li style="text-align: justify">information and awareness-raising campaigns on forest fires danger mainly focused on the residents of mountainous communities;&nbsp;</li> <li style="text-align: justify">purchase of firefighting equipment (i.e. rapid intervention vehicles equipped with firefighting equipment, long-bed vehicles, firefighting safety equipment and day/night cameras);</li> <li style="text-align: justify">training of the staff of the Department of Forests and volunteers on monitoring and reporting fires and how to use the new firefighting equipment obtained.</li> </ul>