Keywords

Introduction

The wildfire issue in Europe is undergoing significant changes, primarily driven by warmer temperatures, drier conditions, and several other factors such as land abandonment and increased fuel load [10, 26]. These factors make wildfires harder to contain, more expensive to suppress, and a great threat to firefighters and the public [19, 43, 44]. The rising risk of wildfires in a warmer and drier environment indicates an ongoing menace [1]. In 2022, the highest number of fires since 2006 occurred, foreshadowing the worst drought in Europe in 500 years [34]. Managing this increasing concern has become difficult due to the high suppression costs, damage to resources, and disproportionate risks to lives [5, 32].

To reduce extreme wildfire damage, it is crucial to implement Integrated Fire Management (IFM) approach. This requires addressing a contradiction researchers have contemplated for a decade [10, 14, 16, 24, 33, 40]: relying solely on firefighting personnel and tactics is not viable [12, 17]. Rather proactive prevention strategies at the EU and the national levels can effectively limit extreme fire danger.

To initiate this transformative process, existing practices may need modification: objectives must be redefined, and the “fear trap” (the negative stress imposed on response agencies as they continuously strive to enhance efficiency and safety against increasingly rapid, intense, and overwhelming wildfires through resource and technological advancements) described by [8] should be overcome. Key aspects to analyze this situation include understanding the rationale for prioritizing IFM (WHAT), assessing the effectiveness of current approaches (WHY), identifying impactful measures (HOW), and determining the optimal timing for action (WHEN).

However, possessing knowledge alone doesn’t guarantee pragmatic policy decisions. Factors such as politics, economics, and societal norms can influence policymaking and hinder evidence-based strategies [6, 22, 31, 37]. Therefore, contextual factors that impact policy implementation should be considered alongside scientific research [2]. This comprehensive approach ensures policies are based on knowledge and account for sociopolitical intricacies, leading to effective and pragmatic solutions [28, 35].

This paper explores the sociopolitical challenges to wildfire prevention strategies using a case study approach. Consequently, providing recommendations to overcome these challenges and enhance wildfire management practices.

Methodology

This paper stems from the interviews conducted as part of a PhD thesis, focusing on wildfire prevention strategies within the IFM framework in Cyprus. The research methodology involved conducting ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in wildfire management in Cyprus. In addition, the sociopolitical context in Cyprus was examined to gain insights into how it impacts wildfire management strategies. Factors influencing the implementation of prevention measures were also identified. Drawing from the insights gathered during these interviews, recommendations aimed at enhancing the coherence and effectiveness of wildfire prevention strategies in Cyprus were developed. These recommendations underscore the critical role of education in promoting public awareness and engagement. Implementing these recommendations has the potential to bolster Cyprus’s resilience in the face of escalating wildfire threats.

Case Study—Cyprus

The Sociopolitical Situation in Cyprus

The sociopolitical landscape in Cyprus poses significant challenges to the effective implementation of wildfire prevention strategies. The island’s divided nature has resulted in limited collaboration among authorities responsible for environmental and natural resource management. This political division often leads to disputes over land ownership and management, which, in turn, hinder the successful execution of wildfire prevention strategies. Moreover, Cyprus’s reliance on tourism creates conflicting interests, with the need to safeguard natural resources sometimes conflicting with the imperative to sustain the economy. This can potentially result in less stringent regulations and an increased risk of wildfires in the wildland-urban interface. It is worth noting that this paper primarily focuses on the Republic of Cyprus due to the author’s geographical location and the specific political context that restricts cooperation and data sharing.

Wildfire Situation and Related Framework in the Republic of Cyprus

Wildfire management in the Republic of Cyprus primarily focuses on suppression [4, 29]. Despite multiple organizations participating in fire management efforts, a notable lack of coordination among them poses a significant constraint [18]. However, it is widely recognized that prevention is the most crucial strategy for managing wildfires [21, 23]. Various initiatives, including policymaking, forest management, education, and training, aim to reduce the likelihood of fires and control their spread and intensity [11, 15, 42]. Therefore, understanding the existing strategies is vital for identifying areas that require improvement. The institutional framework for wildfire management in the Republic of Cyprus is defined by The Forest Law and the Firefighting Action Plan in Rural Areas. The Department of Forests, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, holds legal, administrative, and technical responsibility for the effective control and extinguishing of forest fires. The Forest Law governs forest management, with a particular emphasis on the prevention and suppression of wildfires, including penalties for those responsible for starting or allowing fires in forested areas.

The Forest Department places significant emphasis on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Regarding prevention strategies, several measures have been implemented in Cyprus. Law Enforcement strictly prohibits lighting fires within 1 km of state forest boundaries, resulting in penalties of imprisonment or fines. The department occasionally conducts awareness campaigns to engage the public and mitigate human-caused fires. Management of picnic and camping sites concentrates visitors in designated areas with fireplaces and amenities to reduce fire risk.

Despite the Department of Forest’s efforts to enhance wildfire prevention, several factors still hinder the effective implementation of prevention strategies in Cyprus. These challenges were identified through an examination of barriers to interagency exchange and collaboration in wildfire management, supported by the Assessment Report by the Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus and interview transcripts.

Factors Influencing Wildfire Prevention in the Republic of Cyprus

  • Availability of resources—For an organization, it is most important that resources are available and accessible to effectively manage wildfire programs [42]. Several key resources are critical for effective wildfire prevention efforts. These resources, as identified in the case study, include personnel, equipment such as fire trucks and firefighting tools, adequate funding for prevention measures, and advanced technology like early warning systems. However, a lack of resources, including data and funding, has made it difficult to keep up with the increasing wildfire risks.

  • Employee training and situation awareness—Employee training and situation awareness are crucial factors in wildfire prevention in Cyprus. Effective training programs can improve the knowledge and skills of employees, allowing them to be aware of their surroundings and any potential fire hazards, as well as any changes in weather conditions that may increase the risk of wildfires. This can also help them take proactive measures to prevent wildfires and respond quickly and effectively if a fire does occur.

  • Organizational collaboration—Effective organizational collaboration is crucial for several reasons in Cyprus. Firstly, it can help to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are involved in the prevention efforts, which can improve the effectiveness of those efforts. Secondly, organizational collaboration can help to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. By working together, organizations can share information about the areas most at risk of wildfires and coordinate the allocation of resources such as firefighting equipment and personnel. Thirdly, organizational collaboration can help to build trust and foster a sense of shared responsibility among stakeholders. When different organizations work together toward a common goal, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and commitment to the success of the prevention efforts.

  • Government law and policies—Government policy plays an essential role by setting regulations and guidelines for land management, fire prevention, and suppression activities [7, 20, 25, 39]. Effective policies encourage public engagement in wildfire programs and ensure alignment between organizational and governmental efforts [9]. Cyprus’ Forest Law (N. 25(I)/2012) designates the responsibility of the Director of the Department of Forests for preventing and suppressing forest fires within state forests and two kilometers from their borders. However, the law’s limitations hinder prevention measures in the zone mostly comprising private plots and forest communities protected by constitutional rights Articles 16 and 23. Thus, by neglecting to enforce laws aimed at minimizing the probability of fires happening beyond their purview, there is ample space for mistakes to occur.

  • Community engagement—In the wildfire literature, much attention is given to community engagement, highlighting the sensitive issues of who should participate in decision-making [13]. It involves active participation and collaboration between local communities, firefighting agencies, and local governments. Through community engagement, awareness can be raised, education provided, and responsible behavior promoted to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Wildfire management strategies are influenced by various factors, including the involvement of individuals, administrative and resource contexts, and the specific geographic location under consideration [3, 30, 38, 41]. While wildfire prevention activities do not normally reduce the number of natural ignitions [27], education can be effective in mitigating the losses in areas, in addition to the historical data of natural ignitions [11, 15, 36]. An example of successful wildfire preparedness through education and awareness campaign can be seen in Firewise communities of Italy. In addition, some potential strategies for effective wildfire prevention in Cyprus are provided in the following section. The potential strategies discussed here are the result of the interviews conducted by the corresponding author in Cyprus.

Proposed Actions Toward Streamlining Cyprus Wide Prevention Strategies in Wildfire Management

  • Collaborative Approach—Foster collaboration and partnership between EU countries, local communities, and stakeholders, including forest owners, land managers, fire officials, and firefighters. Encourage the sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise in preventing, detecting, and managing wildfires.

    For example, the “National Operational Program for Forest Fire Control” in Greece is a collaborative program that aims to prevent and manage wildfire through coordinated actions by various agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Hellenic Fire Service, and the Forest Service.

  • Enhance Preparedness—Increase preparedness by conducting regular risk assessments, developing evacuation plans, and improving communication system. Utilize new technologies such as fire detection systems, drones, and satellite imagery for early detection and monitoring of wildfires.

    For example, in Portugal, the Integrated Rural Fire Management (SGIFR) program, established in 2018, promotes a coordinated and integrated approach to rural fire management. The program includes measures such as fuel reduction and fire prevention education.

  • Promoting Prevention Measures and Land Use Planning—Encourage and support forest management practices that reduce the risk of wildfires, such as thinning and grazing. Implement strict regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal activities that can cause wildfires. Prioritize land use planning to reduce the risk of extreme wildfires, particularly in high-risk areas such as forests, grasslands, and shrublands. This can be achieved through measures such as zoning regulations.

    For example, Italy has developed a National Forest Fire Prevention Plan that aims to reduce the risk of wildfires through better land management practices.

  • Increasing Public Awareness—Raise awareness among the general public about the dangers of wildfires, the role they can play in preventing them, and the need for responsible behavior. Use age-appropriate education campaigns, social media, and community engagement to spread awareness and encourage public participation.

    For example, Italy has implemented a National Fire Prevention Week, which includes public awareness campaigns and educational programs on fire prevention and safety measures.

  • Improve Coordination—Improve coordination among different agencies and stakeholders involved in wildfire management, including national and local authorities, emergency services, and civil protection agencies. Establish clear lines of communication and collaboration to ensure a timely and effective response to wildfires.

    For example, Spain, the National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Forest Fires (INFOMA), established in 2006, coordinates the response to wildfires. The plan includes representatives from various agencies, including the fire service, police, civil defense, volunteers, and private companies. Similarly, in Portugal, the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) is responsible for coordinating the response to wildfires and includes representatives from various agencies.

  • Research and Innovation—Invest in research and innovation to develop new technologies, practices, and strategies to prevent and manage wildfires. Develop a knowledge base of best practices and share it across the neighboring states and with the EU to enhance prevention efforts. For example, in Finland, the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) conducts research on wildfire prevention and management. The FMI develops new technologies and strategies for predicting and monitoring wildfires, as well as providing training and education on wildfire management.

    Similarly, in Spain, the Center for Forest Fire Research (CIFOR), established in 1987, conducts research on wildfire prevention and management. The center collaborates with various stakeholders, including universities, government agencies, and private companies.

These measures target the primary causes of wildfires in Cyprus based on research interviews. However, they can be applied in other fire-prone countries. Additionally, education plays a critical role in preventing wildfires because many wildfires in Cyprus are caused by human activity, such as careless use of fire or littering, and can be prevented by changing human behavior. Table 3.1 provides a comprehensive list of education measures for wildfire prevention in Cyprus.

Table 3.1 Proposed educational wildfire prevention strategies with evidence from effective initiatives from other countries
Full size table

Conclusions

Wildfires are a recurring and significant threat in Cyprus, fuelled by a combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. These conditions create ideal circumstances for the rapid ignition and spread of wildfires. In recent years, wildfires in Cyprus, such as the one that occurred in the Arakapas region in 2021, have caused significant damage to forests, vegetation, and infrastructure, endangering human lives and property.

Currently, wildfire management in Cyprus primarily focuses on suppression efforts. However, adopting an integrated approach could be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of fire incidents and controlling their spread and intensity. The insights presented in this paper will be particularly valuable to individuals and organizations involved directly or indirectly in planning, implementing, and enhancing wildfire prevention measures. This includes wildfire managers, policymakers, scientists, and others committed to combating these fires effectively. Furthermore, the media can use the insights from this paper to refine their strategies for wildfire prevention and to communicate targeted and impactful messages to the public. Additionally, evaluating and implementing the suggested measures on a Europe-wide scale could also be beneficial.