Drought has severely damaged Cyprus’ forests, with 40 per cent of the trees in the cedar valley having already dried up, according to forestry department director, Savvas Ezekiel.
- Drought has severely damaged Cyprus’ forests, with 40 per cent of the trees in the cedar valley having already dried up, according to forestry department director, Savvas Ezekiel.
Speaking on CyBC radio, Ezekiel described the current situation as unprecedented, warning that it endangers the island’s oldest forests. Forestry department evaluations reveal that mature cedars and pines are succumbing after consecutive years of minimal rainfall, raising alarms across the region.
Impact on Young and Mature Trees
While young saplings can falter within weeks without adequate water during heatwaves, larger trees, despite their resilience, are becoming increasingly vulnerable after years of dryness. Ezekiel warned that another dry winter could result in the loss of many centuries-old trees, with prolonged drought threatening forests throughout Cyprus.
Historic Drought Conditions
Department figures indicate that Cyprus has not experienced a drought of this severity since 2008. Significant losses have been documented in regions like Kakomalis and Machairas, where Turkish pine and the endemic golden oak are drying up rapidly. In Akamas, Jerusalem pine trees are also showing distress, particularly deeper in the forest, although the more humid coastal edges have, so far, been spared from the worst effects.
Resilience in High-altitude Forests
Meanwhile, Troodos’ high-altitude black pine remains stable due to cooler temperatures and humidity, as do the forests of Cape Greco, benefitting from their coastal microclimate. However, the overall outlook remains concerning as Ezekiel highlighted the impact of drought on natural springs and river flows, leaving wildlife without essential water sources.
Fire Risks and Community Measures
The accumulation of dry biomass across forested areas raises severe fire risks. Ezekiel expressed that when conditions are this dry, “there is nowhere for a fire to stop.” In response to these challenges, the forestry department plans to issue a circular next week aimed at increasing annual firewood allowances to support mountain households. High-altitude communities will see their quota rise from 10 to 12 cubic metres per family, while lower-altitude communities will increase from 4 to 5 cubic metres.
Scientific Perspectives on Tree Mortality
Former Green Party leader Charalambos Theopemptou remarked on the drying of olives, carobs, and pines, correlating these trends with scientific data that identifies repeated drought as a leading cause of mass tree mortality in ecosystems. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent in Cyprus’ natural landscape.
Water Management Challenges
Giorgos Kazantzis, an official from the Water Development Department, noted that Cyprus faces significant challenges in replenishing its natural water sources and must continue relying on dams and desalination methods. The prospect of artificial rain, or cloud seeding technology, remains unlikely due to difficulties in steering clouds and the associated risks of hail or flooding.
