Student research projects address Cyprus wildfire crisis and environmental impact

Students from Polemidia Gymnasium and Nikolaideio Gymnasium of Paphos conducted research on wildfires in Cyprus as part of the Young Reporters for the Environment program. The Polemidia team investigated the July 2025 fire in the mountainous region of Limassol, specifically documenting damage in the village of Lofou under the guidance of teacher Thelma Georgiou. Meanwhile, the Paphos group, led by teacher Flora Frangeskou, analyzed forestry department data from 2016 to 2025, which indicates an average of 186 wildfires per year. Their findings suggest that the peak danger period occurs between April and October, with an average of 163 fires during these months. Both groups emphasized that most fires are caused by human activity, whether through negligence or deliberate acts. The research highlights irreversible ecological damage, including threats to biodiversity and protected species like the mouflon (agrino). The students provided proposals for better prevention, wildfire management, and increased public environmental awareness.