Environmental education for young people through partnerships with schools, as well as training for National Guard personnel in forest fire suppression using earth-moving equipment, the Department of Forests announced.

According to the announcement, the Department of Forests, recognizing that environmental education is a key tool for the protection and sustainable management of forests, has been developing long-term initiatives in collaboration with schools throughout Cyprus.

As part of these efforts, a reforestation project was carried out last February in the community of Malia, in an area affected by last summer’s devastating wildfire.

The initiative was organized by the Department of Forests, with the participation of students from Trinity Private Secondary School, who, under the guidance of Department officials, planted more than 50 saplings, making a tangible contribution to the restoration of the affected area, according to the report.

This initiative was part of a broader educational program, which concluded in June with a visit by a Forestry Department official to Trinity Private Secondary School.

According to the announcement, during the visit, an informational presentation was given on the role of forests, the impacts of wildfires, prevention measures, and the importance of reforestation, emphasizing the individual and collective responsibility we all share to the highest degree for protecting the natural environment.

At the end of the event, the students were awarded certificates of participation, which were prepared jointly by the Forestry Department and the school, in recognition of their contribution to the reforestation effort and their active participation in environmental education activities.

As noted, the Department of Forests recognizes the importance of young people’s participation in such activities and contributes significantly to fostering environmental awareness and developing a relationship of respect and responsibilitytoward Cyprus’s forests and natural wealth.

Furthermore, according to an announcement by the Department of Forests, during the period June 30–July 1, 2026, the Department conducted theoretical and practical training for National Guard personnel on the proper use of earth-moving equipment for the prevention and suppression of forest fires.

During the training, National Guard personnel were briefed on the basic principles of forest fire suppression, the techniques and safe practices for using earth-moving equipment, both for carrying out preventive fire protection projects and for their use during forest fire suppression operations.

This initiative underscores the importance of close cooperation and coordination between the Forestry Department, the National Guard, and the other relevant agencies involved in the prevention and suppression of forest fires, with the aim of protecting forests, human life, property, and the broader natural environment, the statement notes.

(CYPE/DN/MK)