gps goats — gps goats — Goats with GPS technology are being employed as a strategic measure in the fight against wildfires, particularly following the devastating wildfire that impacted the mountainous region of Limassol on 23 July 2025. Dr Makis Antoniadis, Director of the Department of Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the urgency to rejuvenate rural areas and prevent their abandonment during an interview with “Phileleftheros”.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
In a concerted effort to support those affected, the Ministry is implementing recovery schemes aimed at bolstering economic, social, and environmental sustainability in affected communities. The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is pivotal, focusing on tangible support for farmers while addressing the ongoing climate crisis and the demographic challenges faced in rural areas.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Dr Antoniadis highlighted that the alarming trends of climate change, particularly the severe drought conditions persisting for three consecutive years, have exacerbated the vulnerability of Cyprus’s countryside. This prolonged dry spell has strained agricultural production and threatened the livelihoods of many rural inhabitants, with underground water reserves for irrigation coming under increasing pressure.
The implications of extended drought are severe, not just for food production but also for environmental resilience. The risk of forest fires rises dramatically as conditions create a tinderbox scenario, compounded by soil degradation and land abandonment. The wildfire that swept through Limassol serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for action.
In response, the Department of Agriculture is piloting a selective grazing programme in the Pyrgos Tillirias zone, designed to mitigate the risk of wildfires. This initiative, which involves GPS tracking of goats, aims to manage flammable biomass by encouraging controlled grazing. The programme is set to expand further in 2026, contingent on its success.
The wildfire resulted in the loss of over 14,000 decares of land, affecting approximately 1,500 farmers and livestock breeders. To aid recovery, the Council of Ministers has allocated €23.5 million in support measures. Immediate financial assistance equivalent to one year’s income loss has already been disbursed to over 1,200 beneficiaries.
In addition to financial support, further measures include an Emergency Special Scheme for the restoration of infrastructure and equipment for affected farmers and livestock breeders, alongside an Investment Scheme for those not covered by the former.
For livestock units, particularly those impacted by the wildfire, the government is providing immediate relief in the form of free animal feed and compensation for first-year income losses, primarily due to reduced milk production. Farmers are also encouraged to apply for ongoing restoration schemes that cover various agricultural necessities, including machinery and irrigation systems.
Aside from immediate emergency measures, the Department of Agriculture is exploring additional initiatives to manage plant residues effectively in forest-adjacent communities. This includes covering the cost of shredders to facilitate waste management, which can reduce fire risks while promoting sustainable practices.
As part of the broader CAP Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, which has a budget of €454 million, the focus remains on preserving the countryside and its population. This plan encompasses direct aid, environmentally friendly practices, and improvements in the quality of life in rural areas, countering the trends of urbanisation and desertification.
Ultimately, the integration of technology, like GPS in livestock management, represents a forward-thinking approach in combating the dual challenges of wildfires and rural decline. By supporting farmers and fostering sustainable practices, the aim is to ensure the longevity and productivity of Cyprus’s agricultural landscape.
