Almost half of Cyprus’ land area is experiencing desertification conditions, placing the island among the EU countries most affected by land degradation, according to a report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).
The report, titled “Towards a better characterisation of land degradation and desertification in the European Union”, presents an updated methodology for identifying areas affected by land degradation and desertification across the EU.
According to the findings, 45% of Cyprus’ territory is under desertification conditions, the second-highest rate in the EU after Spain, where the figure reaches 53%. Greece follows with 36%.
Cyprus has the highest population impact
The report also shows that Cyprus has the highest proportion of its population living in areas affected by desertification.
Around 61% of the island’s population, or approximately 700,000 people, live in areas facing desertification conditions.
Greece follows with 47%, Spain with 43%, Romania with 39% and Bulgaria with 37%.
The JRC report explains that land degradation refers to the long-term decline in the quality and productivity of land resources due to various factors, including human activities and natural causes.
Desertification is defined as land degradation occurring in dry areas, while land degradation can occur in any region and is not limited to dry zones.
Climate change increasing future risks
The methodology used in the report is based on the framework of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, adapted to EU conditions.
Across the EU, dry areas currently cover around 15% of the bloc’s territory, equal to 611,000 square kilometres. Of this area, 530,000 square kilometres are affected by desertification, representing around 12% of EU territory and impacting approximately 42 million people.
The report also identifies an additional 1,004,608 square kilometres of EU territory as being at increased risk of desertification based on future scenarios for drought conditions between 2021 and 2040.
Many of these areas are outside regions currently classified as dry zones.
The JRC notes that climate change projections indicate increasing desertification risks across the EU, with some areas expected to experience reduced rainfall, more frequent droughts and rising temperatures.
New EU monitoring tools planned
The report states that the JRC is developing a dedicated desertification dashboard through the EU Soil Observatory.
The platform will provide updated statistics and maps on land degradation and desertification across the EU, as well as information on their impact on populations.
Also read: Italy and Switzerland face severe drought crisis
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