Nicosia, Cyprus. The forestry department has highlighted environmental education and specialised National Guard training as part of efforts to strengthen wildfire prevention in Cyprus.
Reforestation and environmental education
The department said it continues to develop environmental education programmes with schools across Cyprus, describing education as a key tool for the protection and sustainable management of forests.
A reforestation campaign was held in February in Malia, in an area devastated by last summer’s wildfire.
The initiative, organised by the forestry department, involved students from Trinity Private Secondary School. Under the guidance of department officials, the students planted more than 50 saplings to help restore the burned area.
The department said the participation of young people in such activities helps foster environmental awareness and encourages a lasting sense of responsibility and respect for Cyprus’ forests and natural heritage.
National Guard bulldozer training
Separately, the forestry department said it provided theoretical and practical training to National Guard personnel on June 30 and July 1 on the effective use of bulldozers for wildfire prevention and suppression.
The training covered the basic principles of fighting forest fires, as well as safe and effective techniques for operating earth-moving equipment to create fire breaks and support active wildfire suppression operations.