Cyprus is having a very serious problem with a long drought. This dry weather is causing a big environmental crisis. The country’s forestry department says the ancient forests are in great danger.
About two-fifths of the trees in the famous Cedar Valley have already died because there is not enough water. The director of the forestry department, Savvas Ezekiel, said the situation is very bad. He explained that many years with little rain have been very hard for the trees. He is worried that another dry winter could kill many very old trees.
The drought is affecting different areas in different ways. Some places, like the Kakomalis and Machairas districts, have lost many pine and oak trees. However, the forests in the Troodos mountains are doing a bit better because it is cooler there.
The lack of water is also a big problem for animals. Natural springs and rivers are drying up, so birds and other wildlife cannot find enough water to drink.
Experts say Cyprus needs new plans to protect its forests and manage water for the future.