Det nye program for beskyttelse af skovene, Forest Focus, som blev vedtaget sidste år og løber indtil 2006, omfatter foranstaltninger til bekæmpelse af forurening af skovene. ###>This clearly illustrates the need to fund forest fire prevention measures that will preserve the EU ’ s rich and extensive forest heritage, particularly in southern Member States and the Mediterranean fringe, which are affected by such fires every year.