Nicosia, Cyprus. Trees are dying across Cyprus because of climate change, prolonged drought in recent years and extreme temperatures, the forestry department said on Tuesday after social media posts showed dead trees at Athalassa national forest park.
Department response
The department said the phenomenon was not the result of negligence by the authorities, adding that weather conditions had weakened the trees and made them more vulnerable to infestations and diseases.
Species under pressure
Officials said some tree species, including pine, had been planted across Cyprus because they were suitable at the time, but are now struggling to cope with climate change, particularly in the dry and warm inland areas.
Management measures
The forestry department said it was implementing a comprehensive management programme that includes removing dead and dangerous trees, placing traps to monitor and address wood-eating insects, combating the pine moth and replacing vulnerable species with more resistant native species.
The replacement species include carob, oak, sycamore and cypress, which the department said are better adapted to current and future climatic conditions.
Irrigation and Athalassa park
The department also said irrigation systems are already being installed in forest parks to support growth with recycled water.
It added that Athalassa is naturally arid and that its current image as one of Nicosia’s most important green areas is the result of continuous and scientifically backed efforts by the forestry department.