Forest fires in Cyprus

Abstract

According to a recent report by OECD (2023) the frequency and severity of forest fires and wildfires as well as the duration of the fire season, are increasing in many regions of the world. Wildfires, forest fires for the most part, in recent years have been severely affecting the Mediterranean region during the summer period from June to August, having severe and direct effect on the environment, local economies, livelihoods and societies. A good example of this Cyprus an island state in the north east of the region. The major issues that are responsible for this is climate change, the poor management of forests and the surrounding areas and socioeconomic factors that relate to the abandonment of the rural areas. All these factors lead to the increase of the available fuel.