A very serious drought is causing a major environmental problem for Cyprus. Forest experts are giving strong warnings about the health of the island’s oldest forests. According to the national forestry department, about 40% of the trees in the famous Cedar Valley have already died from the lack of water. This could mean a permanent change to the country’s natural landscape.
The director of the forestry department, Savvas Ezekiel, recently explained the situation on the radio. He said the problem is worse than anything they have seen before. "Several years in a row with very little rain have pushed our forests to their limit," Ezekiel stated. "We must face the fact that if we have another dry winter, we could lose many centuries-old trees." His words show that even strong, old trees are at risk when there is not enough water for so long.
Scientists see a clear connection between the lack of rain and the dying trees. Young trees die quickly in extreme heat, but now even strong, mature cedar and pine trees are struggling after years of low groundwater. Cyprus had a bad drought in 2008, but experts think the current one might be more severe.
Some areas are worse than others. The forests in the Kakomalis and Machairas districts have lost many Turkish pine and golden oak trees. However, the forests in the Troodos mountains and near Cape Greco are doing better because it is cooler and more humid there.
The long drought is also causing other problems. Natural springs and rivers are drying up, making it hard for birds and other animals to find water. This situation creates a big challenge for leaders, who must find ways to help the forests now and also prepare for a future where droughts might happen more often.