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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Causes of Wildfires (2000-2023):

   • Human activity responsible for a significant share:
     • Intentional fires (27%).
     • Agricultural activities (17%).
   • Natural causes contribute 13%.

5. Graphical Elements:

   • Bar chart showing annual burnt areas from 2000 to 2023.
   • Icons and diagrams depicting forest fire dynamics.

6. General Information:

   • The project is part of the EU’s climate adaptation initiatives (HORIZON-MISS-2022-CLIMA-01).