CYPFIRE

The data Forest fires in Europe, 2007 (Eur 23492, 2008) require a revision of the methods and an orientation towards new solutions. The objective of CypFire is to demonstrate that a green cypress fence with a horizontal crown can prevent, control and limit the damage of natural hazards (fire, desertification) by promoting weak territories (islands) and Mediterranean landscapes. Since the severity of fires, in number and hectares burned, is increasing in Europe, CypFire has highlighted the urgency of moving to new fire control strategies.

The Cypfire Project established demonstration plots in 6 MED countries. The target groups can visit them and directly assess the pros and cons of the “cyprus barrier” solution and weigh up which cyprus clones offer the best adaptability and growth in the soil and climate conditions of a particular region.

Scientific studies were conducted on the role of morpho-physiological traits, on the effect of barriers in reducing wind speeds and on the composition of cyprus tree litter, which are all factors that influence the outbreak and development of fires.

Cyprus plantations also have other functions, such as protecting natural and lucrative resources, reducing CO2 in the atmosphere and cutting the size of burnt areas.

The most convincing results came to light in Jérica (Spain) and in Tuscany after fires in 2012 where plots of cyprus trees, forming green islands in the midst of a completely burnt landscape, were the sole survivors. The media, press and political world showed considerable interest in these findings.