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The Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts and the European Academies Scientific Advisory Council (EASAC), following the newly published EASAC report “Changing Wildfires in Europe”, cordially invite you to a Public Lecture and Panel Discussion on: 

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Event Details:

  • Date:              Thursday, 22 January 2026
  • Time:             15:00 - 16:30
  • Venue:           This is a hybrid event.  Please join us at the John Ioannides Auditorium, Fresnel Building, The Cyprus Institute
                           Or alternatively, follow the livestream on our YouTube account

 

Panel

Convenor:

Prof. Costas N. Papanicolas, President Emeritus, The Cyprus Institute, Director, Research Unit of Climate Crisis and Sustainable Development; The Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts

Panelists:

Prof. Thomas Elmqvist, Professor, Stockholm Resilience Center, Stockholm University, Sweden and EASAC Environment Director

Dr. Orsolya Valkó, Research Group Leader, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Hungary

Prof. Efthymis Lekkas, Professor of Dynamic, Tectonic, Applied Geology, and Natural Disaster Management, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Mr. Kostakis A. Papageorgiou, Chief Conservator of Forests, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development & Environment, Department of Forests

  

 

Abstract

“Suppressing fires alone is not sufficient. We need to address the root causes, strengthen efforts to combat climate change, invest in resilient landscapes, and actively engage society in learning to live with fire,” says Dr. Cathelijne Stoof, Co-Chair of EASAC’s Wildfires Working Group.
 
According to the newly published EASAC report Changing Wildfires in Europe, many regions across Europe are experiencing multi-year droughts, significantly increasing the likelihood of extreme wildfire events. On average, wildfires in the European Union currently burn approximately half a million hectares each year—an area roughly equivalent to half the size of Cyprus.
 
The event will examine the escalating wildfire risks across Europe, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean, and assess their implications for Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the proposed European Wildfire Hub. Topics covered will include wildfire risk reduction, prevention strategies, and building fire-resilient societies in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Cyprus. Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders will convene to explore how EU and regional strategies can transition from reactive fire suppression toward proactive, risk-based land and landscape management. 

  

 

A cocktail reception will follow, beginning at 16:30

RSVP by Monday 19 January 2026, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  

 

               Co-organiser                                                     Hosted by                                                    Endorsed by
     CCI logo 2025          CyI logo          SDSN logo

 

 

This event is in English and the event is open to the public.
This is a hybrid event.  Join us at the John Ioannides Auditorium, Fresnel Building, The Cyprus Institute, or follow the event on our YouTube channel livestream
Images and/or recordings of our open public events may be used by The Cyprus Institute for dissemination purposes including print and digital media such as websites, press-releases, social media, and live streaming.

 

 

 

View all CyI events.

 

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