On the occasion of European Natura 2000 Day, Cyprus’ Department of Forests is urging the public to take extra care this fire season to prevent wildfires that threaten the island’s natural heritage.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the department confirmed that the 2025 fire season has officially begun and that its emergency response mechanisms are now fully activated. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid any actions or activities that could spark fires, whether through carelessness or negligence.
Marking Natura 2000 Day under the slogan “The Forest Needs You”, the department called forest protection a shared responsibility. Cyprus is among the EU countries with the highest proportion of land designated under the Natura 2000 network, more than 70% of which consists of forested areas.
The Natura 2000 network is the largest coordinated system of protected areas in the world, designed to safeguard the most valuable and threatened habitats and species across Europe.
The Department of Forests said it is committed to the sustainable management and preservation of Cyprus’ state forests, and places particular emphasis on wildfire prevention, readiness, and rapid response.
“Our forests form the backbone of biodiversity on the island,” the department stated. “Protecting them is vital- for today’s citizens, and for the generations to come.”
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