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- Ελληνικά
In order to inform, raise awareness and increase the participation of citizens, especially young people, in the efforts made for the protection of forests, the Forestry Department organizes annually the "Forest Protection Week". This year this week was set from 13 to 19 May.
The opening ceremony of the "Forest Protection Week" was held on Monday 13 May 2024, at the Environmental Information and Education Centre of Athalassa and was declared by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, the Directors General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service, representatives of the British Bases and representatives of Departments and Services involved in forest fires.
The Honourable Minister, declaring the launch of Forest Protection Week, in her speech highlighted their importance in environmental, social and cultural development. She said that forest fires are a threat that falls under the category of natural disasters and that they constitute an issue that must be treated as a matter of essential security.
She then referred to policies related to the protection and management of forest fires, as well as the Government's determination to support and strengthen the services involved, in terms of human resources, firefighting equipment and infrastructure. Special mention was made by the Minister for the cooperation that the Government has with neighbouring countries in the field of aerial firefighting.
In conclusion, Dr Panagiotou thanked the Forestry Department, as well as all those involved for their continuous effort and dedication to the protection of forests. For the Minister's speech, click here.
In his own speech, An. Director of the Forestry Department Dr. Savvas Iezekiel said, among other things, that the fire season has already begun and the operational mechanism of the Forestry Department has been in full deployment and readiness since April 1. All the usual preventive measures, which are taken on an annual basis, have been implemented this year and we declare that we are ready to throw all our forces into the battle against fires. Both the personnel of the Forestry Department, Forestry Officers, Forest Firefighters, Fire Wardens and Engine Drivers, as well as the fire-fighting means available to the Department are in high operational readiness to deal with any fire incidents that may occur. Director expressed his sincere thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for the enduring support provided to the Forestry Department. He also thanked the Ministries of Interior, Justice and Public Order and Defence, as well as their Services involved in fire protection for their excellent cooperation and contribution to the response to forest fires. He also thanked the media, volunteers and the whole of our society for their interest and active involvement in efforts to protect and preserve forests and the natural environment. Director of the Forestry Department assured that the staff of the Forestry Department with their zeal, fighting spirit and high sense of responsibility will, as always, be in the front line for the preservation of our forests.
(MS/NYAN)
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