Trees are dying across Cyprus as prolonged drought, rising temperatures, and climate change continue to put increasing pressure on the island’s forests, according to the Department of Forests.
In a statement issued in response to recent media reports and discussion on social media, the Department said the problem is affecting forests across the island and is the result of increasingly harsh environmental conditions rather than a lack of action by the authorities.
Climate change taking its toll
The Department said years of drought and extreme heat have weakened trees and other forest vegetation, leaving them more vulnerable to wood-boring insects and disease.
It added that some species, including the Aleppo pine, were suitable when they were first planted but are now struggling to cope with today’s hotter and drier climate, particularly in low-lying areas such as Athalassa Park and the wider Nicosia region.
Measures already under way
The Department said it is implementing a comprehensive forest management programme that includes removing dead and hazardous trees, monitoring and controlling wood-boring insects, tackling pine processionary moth infestations, and gradually replacing the most vulnerable species with more resilient native trees.
Replacement species include carob, terebinth, oak, mastic, and cypress, which are better adapted to current and future climate conditions.
Expanding the use of recycled water
The Department is also increasing the use of recycled water to support vegetation.
A recycled water irrigation system is already operating at the National Forest Park of the Pedagogical Academy and the Aronas area, while targeted watering using tanker trucks is being carried out during the summer, particularly for recently planted trees.
Plans are also in place to extend the use of recycled water to other parts of Athalassa National Forest Park.
Building more resilient forests
The Department noted that Athalassa is naturally a dry and barren area and that its transformation into one of Nicosia’s largest green spaces has been the result of decades of scientific planning and sustained management.
It added that climate change is creating new challenges for forest management, with continuous monitoring, adapted forestry practices, and targeted interventions aimed at improving the resilience of Cyprus’ forests for the future.
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