Forest fires have lasting effects on biodiversity with some regions taking decades or even centuries to become mature forests again, forestry department spokesman Glafkos Kyriakou said on Tuesday. According to Kyriakou, one of the earliest and most pressing threats following a forest fire is soil erosion driven by rain and wind. Compounding the problem, the risk of landslides rises significantly, while the loss of fertile topsoil slows the forest’s long-term recovery. Despite the severe impact on the region, Kyriakou said the forestry department has sought to keep its interventions in the natural environment to a minimum, pointing to the forests’ natural regeneration mechanisms. According to Kyriakou, the plan is open to all, and plantings can be carried out in public or private spaces.