Nicosia, Cyprus. TechIsland has presented the first-year results of its €2 million Wildfire Initiative, which was launched following the devastating fires of 2025 and has developed into a long-term programme covering prevention, preparedness, early detection and recovery.
The fires burned more than 100 square kilometres of forest, destroyed 191 homes in 15 villages and claimed two lives, according to figures presented by the organisation.
From emergency response to long-term programme
More than 60 companies and individuals responded to TechIsland’s appeal within days of the fires, raising approximately €2 million to support affected residents and communities.
As immediate needs changed, the initiative expanded from emergency assistance into a broader social impact programme involving the private sector, the state, scientists, local authorities and volunteers.
TechIsland chairman Valentinos Polykarpou said the initiative showed what could be achieved through cooperation, adding that the initial response had evolved into a long-term programme with practical solutions and impact.
Four priorities and six projects
The programme is structured around four priorities: recovery and restoration, prevention, early detection and community involvement.
Recovery and restoration include clearing and replanting fire-damaged areas, while prevention focuses on equipping communities and improving local readiness. Early detection uses artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring and drones to identify fires in their first critical minutes.
Community involvement brings residents, volunteers, scientists and technology professionals into a coordinated effort. The priorities have been implemented through six projects developed with government departments, scientific institutions, local authorities and private organisations.
Support for firefighting vehicles
TechIsland has allocated €450,000 towards small firefighting vehicles for 45 community councils, in cooperation with the Interior Ministry and the Union of Cyprus Communities.
The funding covers 20 per cent of the vehicles’ cost under a government subsidy scheme, enabling local authorities to improve operational readiness and respond more quickly when fires break out.