Forests are a priceless treasure

THE AGRICULTURE Ministry is taking immediate measures to address the annual devastation caused by forest fires in the summer through the reinforcement of manpower and fire fighting equipment.

Speaking at the Fire-fighting Co-ordination Centre of the Forestry Department in Athalassa on the occasion of Forest Protection Week, Agriculture Minister Michalis Polynikis said the state was troubled by the huge fires seen in recent years, which were exacerbated by climate change characterised by very high temperatures, extended drought and strong winds.

Polynikis said that the main objectives of forest policy was sustainable development, protection and conservation of natural resources, the expansion of greenery, the conservation, improvement and enhancement of natural environment . He also highlighted the significance of “the expansion and upgrade of the infrastructure for tourism and recreation, the development and regeneration of villages and the environmental education of the public”.

“Despite the difficult climatic conditions prevailing in the development and protection of forests, Cyprus holds an enviable position amongst the eastern Mediterranean countries in terms of the size, and the quality of its forests,” he said.

“With a specific scheme and strategy the Agriculture Ministry is taking immediate measures to address the problem with forest fires, through the reinforcement of all the affiliated services, both in manpower and fire fighting equipment”.

He said the public was aware concerning matters of protecting the natural environment, particularly on the issue of protecting forests. “The Ministry supports and encourages all efforts and initiatives in this direction,” he said.

“The message I would like to send to every citizen on the occasion of Forest Protection Week is that the environment and our forests are part of our priceless national heritage that must be protected. They belong to all of us, our children, and the future generations to come”.

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