Forest fires in the south-eastern Mediterranean — consequences of climate change on the Mediterranean forests of Greece and Cyprus
27.6.2016
Question for written answer E-005151-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Theodoros Zagorakis (PPE)
Forests make up 40% of Europe's land and affect the different spheres of our lives in a number of ways. For this reason, sustainable management of forests is an issue which has been of concern to both the European Community and the community of citizens. Forests help to tackle climate change and contribute to achieving the objectives of the 2020 strategy. At the same time, however, European forests, particularly in the Mediterranean, are especially vulnerable to the risk of fire, a fact which has been worsened by climate change.
Greece is a typical example. A quarter of Greek territory is forest, the flora of which are considered among the richest in Europe. Unfortunately, Greek forests are particularly vulnerable to fires during the summer months, when heat waves and the frequency of very hot days means a dangerously increasing rate, which will apply in future years too. Finally, other countries in the south-eastern Mediterranean face similar risks, such as Cyprus, where limited water resources in conjunction with the very hot months result in extended periods of drought.
In view of this:
- 1.Does the Commission have figures on the frequency of forest fires in Europe? Does it have figures for Greece and Cyprus?
- 2.Has it taken any initiatives for the protection and sustainable management of forests?