The recent devastating fires in the mountainous areas of Limassol, which claimed lives and caused significant environmental damage, revealed another serious problem. Satellite images have revealed more than 600 illegal landfills in Cyprus that continue to pose a fire risk and pollute the environment.
Theodoros Mesimeris, the Director of the Department of Environmental Protection, noted on state radio that the state must address not only the consequences of the fires but also complex issues related to nature conservation.
The first steps towards recovery
Following the disaster, the authorities approved an environmental rehabilitation plan for the 16 affected communities. The first stage of work has begun; special containers have been set up to collect waste, including burnt materials and construction debris generated by the cleanup efforts.
According to Messimeris, the cleanup will take place in several stages, with the first phase expected to be completed in the near future. However, restoring the ecosystem will take years because it requires long-term monitoring, scientific research, and coordinated action by the state, local authorities, and residents.
The chronic problem of illegal landfills
According to the Department of Environmental Protection, illegal dumps in Cyprus are systemic. Many of these dumpsites have existed for years and have become a constant environmental threat. Over the past two years, the department has launched a campaign to clean up these dumps, and it will continue in 2024–2025.
Despite the authorities' efforts, the situation remains critical. In the last two years alone, the fire department has responded to more than 45 fires at illegal landfills. Experts warn that burying organic waste produces methane, which is highly flammable and can lead to spontaneous combustion, especially in hot conditions.
What's next?
Mesimeris called on residents of Cyprus to cooperate with the authorities and report illegal waste disposal. According to the expert, only joint action by the state and society can reduce the number of illegal dumps and lower the risk of new fires.
In the long term, the authorities plan to introduce modern waste treatment systems and strengthen control over waste disposal. This is particularly important in the context of climate change, as it increases the likelihood of extreme fires on the island.
Thus, Cyprus faces a double challenge: restoring the burned areas while solving the long-standing problem of illegal dumps, which continue to threaten the environment and residents' safety.