Flames devoured green mountainsides and reduced ancient forests to ash across Syria's coastal region in July, continuing a destructive pattern that has shrunk the country's woodland areas year after year.
The fires consumed approximately 32,123.7 acres of forest, representing 2.42% of Syria's total forest cover, as well as nearly 5,436.3 acres of agricultural land, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Syria's forests comprise just 2.7% of the country's total area, making each loss particularly significant.
"The losses are severe," said Dr Maher Dayyoub, a forestry specialist who noted the unprecedented destruction of natural vegetation, including ancient trees and rare plant species.
"Large numbers of wild animals either couldn't escape the flames or lost their habitats and food sources."
The ecological impact extends far beyond the immediate damage, experts warn. Food chains and ecosystems will suffer adverse effects for years, potentially leading to local extinctions of some species.
Biodiversity under threat
Syria's coastal forests once supported unique plant diversity and provided crucial ecological services. The dense vegetation created ideal habitats for migratory and resident bird species, reptiles and amphibians in what Dr Mahmoud Ali, a professor of ecology and forest protection at the University of Latakia, described as a balanced ecosystem.
Key plant species include Brutia pine, semi-evergreen oak, common oak, myrtle, lavender, mastic, strawberry tree and carob. But the recent fires caused significant wildlife casualties, with images and videos showing dead deer, hyenas and other animals.
"These animals, especially deer, are already scarce in Syria and had only just begun to return to the forests gradually," Ali said. "Their loss is even more devastating."
The timing compounds the tragedy. Most large mammals give birth during the fire season, endangering young animals that are too immature to escape quickly. Mature mammals often become trapped and die, while surviving animals face increased vulnerability to predators after losing tree cover.
Small mammals — rabbits, squirrels, mice, and rats — face direct death if they are unable to escape, but the indirect effects prove more damaging as fires destroy their shelter and food sources. Birds typically flee but lose eggs and chicks in nests. Reptiles and amphibians die in large numbers from direct burning or lethal heat levels in their burrows.
Cascading environmental effects
The destruction reverberates throughout entire ecosystems. Zahir Hashim, an expert in environmental issues, explained that forests house over 80% of biodiversity.
"The loss of vegetation means the loss of food sources for other organisms, disrupting entire food chains that ultimately affect humans," Hashim said.
Fires destroy micronutrients, weakening soil fertility and reducing crop quality and productivity. They also kill insects and pollinators, which are crucial for plant systems and crop pollination.
The problem has worsened in recent years.
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Multiple causes behind the fire spread
Several factors contribute to recurring blazes. The destruction of equipment and access blockades has weakened Syria's firefighting capabilities. The challenging topography of forested areas and highly flammable vegetation creates difficult conditions.
While climate change plays a role, Ali argues that blaming it alone is insufficient. "The lack of proactive and preventive measures to stop fires or limit their spread" bears more responsibility.
Hashim pointed to systemic failures by past governments in developing forest infrastructure, including the lack of proper roads, advanced protection systems, and early warning mechanisms. War remnants and unexploded ordnance have contributed to fires while hindering firefighting efforts and endangering civil defence teams.
Experts identified broader governmental shortcomings, including the absence of a long-term environmental strategy, weak enforcement of environmental laws that allowed unchecked deforestation, a lack of investment in environmental awareness and scientific research, and poor coordination between ministries responsible for environmental protection.
Economic collapse and corruption have also played roles, with some exploiting weak security conditions for personal gain.
Prevention and eecovery strategies
Experts propose multiple solutions to address the crisis. Hashim advocates for the implementation of early warning and monitoring systems, regulated camping and recreational activities in forests, restricted forest access during extreme heat, improved forest roads and firefighting readiness, and the establishment of firebreaks to control the spread of fires.
Community education on fire safety and reporting mechanisms could help prevent blazes from starting or spreading rapidly.
Ali suggests involving local communities in the rehabilitation of burned areas, such as clearing fire debris under the supervision of forestry authorities, with the communities receiving proceeds. This approach would incentivise forest protection by linking economic well-being to forest preservation.
The urgent removal of burned tree trunks is essential, as leaving them in place can foster insect infestations and diseases that exacerbate future fires. Delayed removal also hinders natural regeneration by killing new seedlings.
Natural recovery vs. artificial intervention
Regarding biodiversity restoration, Dayyoub emphasised that reviving Syria's coastal forests requires coordinated national, regional and international efforts. However, he warned against hasty decisions, particularly artificial reforestation.
"Nature has an incredible ability to regenerate," Dayyoub said. "Rapid, poorly planned intervention can hinder rather than help this process."
Natural regeneration ensures the return of native, locally adapted plant species while preserving genetic diversity. Artificial reforestation often relies on limited or non-native species, reducing forest resilience.
Patience remains key, with monitoring of natural recovery and intervention only when absolutely necessary.
Economic and human impact
The broader implications extend beyond environmental concerns. Rich ecosystems provide invaluable services, including climate regulation, water purification, soil protection, and the conservation of natural resources and livelihoods. When biodiversity declines, these services suffer, impacting human health, local economies and quality of life.
"Biodiversity is not just about natural beauty but is fundamental to sustainable development," Dayyoub said.
Despite crucial efforts by civil defence personnel and volunteers in firefighting, prevention remains the priority. Investing in prevention costs far less than firefighting and compensating for damage after fires occur.
As Syria faces ongoing challenges from conflict and economic instability, protecting its remaining natural heritage becomes increasingly critical. The coastal forests represent not just ecological treasures but essential resources for future generations.
The question remains whether Syria can implement the comprehensive strategies needed to prevent future catastrophic losses while allowing damaged ecosystems to recover naturally.
This piece was published in collaboration with Egab