Bracing for the Blaze: Wildfire Dynamics and Prevention in Cyprus

The poster provides an overview of wildfires, focusing on at-risk and fire-resistant forests, wildfire impacts in Cyprus, and forest management strategies. It includes a mix of visuals and text, such as charts, illustrations, and infographics. Key Sections: At-Risk Forest Characteristics: Fire can climb branches, referred to as ladder fuels, reaching tree crowns. Crown fires spread rapidly across treetops, leading to severe firestorms. Dense underbrush serves as tinder, escalating fire risks. Fire-Resistant Forest Strategies: Remove ground and vertical fuels from trees. Conduct prescribed burns to reduce tinder. Retain large, thick-barked trees resistant to fire. Increase spacing between trees to minimize fire spread. Wildfire Data in Cyprus (2000-2023): Forest area: 157,788 hectares (17.06% of Cyprus). The year 2021 witnessed significant loss, with nearly 4% of forestland burned. Fires accounted for 72% of tree cover loss between 2001-2023, resulting in 308 kt of CO2e emissions. Causes of Wildfires (2000-2023): Human activity responsible for a significant share: Intentional fires (27%). Agricultural activities (17%). Natural causes contribute 13%. Graphical Elements: Bar chart showing annual burnt areas from 2000 to 2023. Icons and diagrams depicting forest fire dynamics. General Information: The project is part of the EU’s climate adaptation initiatives (HORIZON-MISS-2022-CLIMA-01).