Forest fires can damage biodiversity for decades, forestry spokesman says

Nicosia, Cyprus. Forest fires can have lasting effects on biodiversity, with some areas requiring decades or centuries to return to mature forest conditions, forestry department spokesman Glafkos Kyriakou said on Tuesday.

He said ecosystems are particularly vulnerable after fires, while recovery depends on the type and intensity of the blaze, human interaction and prevailing weather conditions.

Environmental consequences

Kyriakou said soil erosion caused by rain and wind is among the earliest and most urgent threats after a forest fire. The risk of landslides also rises significantly, while the loss of fertile topsoil delays long-term forest recovery.

The destruction of vegetation reduces the land’s ability to absorb rainwater and causes wider ecological effects, he said. Animals lose food sources, shelter and breeding grounds, forcing them to move elsewhere.

This also hinders natural forest regeneration, which relies on animals and birds to disperse seeds.

Effects on communities and climate

Beyond biodiversity, forest fires affect local communities, tourism and agriculture, Kyriakou said.

They also degrade air quality by releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide, while the loss of trees reduces forests’ capacity to capture carbon, with implications for climate change.

Restoration plans

Kyriakou said the forestry department seeks to keep intervention in the natural environment to a minimum, citing forests’ natural regeneration mechanisms.

After every fire in a state forest, local forestry officials prepare a management plan for approval that determines how the affected area will be restored, he said.

He noted that the department cannot intervene on private land without an explicit request from the owner. “When asked, we stand by the owners to help them,” he said, adding that relevant support plans are available.

Planting support

Kyriakou referred to the Planting for the Climate plan, announced during the winter, which provides basic tree and shrub species free of charge.

Thousands of plants have already been supplied to communities and individuals under the plan.