Prof. Dr. İbrahim Baktır, gave information in relation to what needs to be done after forest fires

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies Dean, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Baktır, giving information in relation to what needs to be done after forest fires, advised that the precautions to be take after a forest fire changes in accordance to the characteristics of the ecological conditions and the flora. Stating that forests carry a great importance for countries, Baktır added, “Land without a forest is not homeland”.

Stating that in accordance with the characteristics and flora of the forest area following a forest fire, there are three different methods applied, Baktır went on to explain, “These are in order; leaving it to itself, planting seeds, and planting new saplings”.

Explaining that the method of leaving the burnt area to itself is a method applied in the case of maquis, Baktır went on to state, “The observations we have made upon land for years has shown that after the first rain, the bushes forming the maquis provide new shoots in a short period of time, when the dormant parts of the roots become active. Therefore, the parts under the ground either are not damaged, or are less damaged by fires. In the event that there have been no extraordinary negativities, examples have fixed that the areas that are left to themselves, can be restored within 3-4 years”.

Stating that the second method is seeding, Baktır added that seeding can be done with drones as well as via traditional methods, and that some of the trees in the area of the fire should not be cut, in order for the seeding to be effective. Adding to his statement that birds will land on the trees that have not been cut down, and thus they will carry some of the seeds in surrounding areas, Baktır explained that under normal conditions, most of the seeds germinate during the first year and reach a certain height within 3-4 years.

Prof. Dr. Baktır stated that the third method is to plant saplings in the areas that have been burnt, and noted that during the few years following the planting, the saplings should be cared for very well, and that the initial care should include weed cleaning and hoeing, which significantly helps the seedlings to form adequate roots.

Reminding that the higest priority is to take the necessary precautions prior to fires starting, Baktır continued, "It is important to make plans as if there may be a fire at any moment".

Stating that we are in the Mediterranean zone and the plants that naturally grow in this zone should be discussed carefully, Baktır went on to say, "Species such as the red pine, which is highly sensitive to fire, but at the same time best at adapting to adverse conditions, should be taken into account in relation to what share of the forests they should have."

Explaining that plants that are more resistant on roadsides and that grow easier in the area should be planted, Baktır advised that with this aim there are many plants in Cyprus that can be used, with these plants species in question being firstly olive, mulberry, hawthorn, fig, menengiç, myrtle, babutsa, carob, oleander, and cypress.