A severe and long-lasting drought is creating an environmental crisis in Cyprus, with experts warning that the island's oldest forests are at serious risk. According to the national forestry department, about 40% of the trees in the famous Cedar Valley have already died from lack of water. This signals a dramatic change that could permanently alter the country's natural landscape.
Savvas Ezekiel, the director of the forestry department, explained the seriousness of the situation in a recent radio broadcast. He said the current situation is worse than anything seen in recent history. "Several years in a row with very little rain have pushed our forests to their limits," Ezekiel stated. "We now face the worrying possibility that another dry winter could destroy many centuries-old trees." His comments highlight that even the strongest trees are vulnerable when they don't get enough water for years.
Scientific studies show a clear link between the lack of rainfall and the health of the trees. Young trees can die within weeks during a heatwave, but now, even older cedars and pines—which were once thought to be very strong—are weakening after years of insufficient groundwater. While Cyprus experienced a serious drought in 2008, current data suggests the present conditions are more intense, possibly due to a changing climate.
The impact of the drought varies across different regions. Areas like Kakomalis and Machairas have seen many Turkish pines and native golden oak trees die. On the Akamas peninsula, dry Aleppo pine trees are being found further inland, though the slightly more humid coastal areas are still providing some protection for nearby plants.
However, the higher forests of Troodos, with their black pine trees, are in better condition because of cooler temperatures and more moisture in the air. Similarly, the special local climate around Cape Greco has so far shielded its forests from the worst effects. This variation shows how a forest's survival depends on its altitude, how close it is to the sea, and the specific types of trees that grow there.
Beyond the trees, the long dry period is having other ecological effects. Natural springs, which are vital water sources for plants and animals, are drying up, and many rivers have been reduced to a small trickle. This lack of water is creating a major survival challenge for birds and other wildlife.
The situation forces the government to make difficult decisions, balancing urgent actions with long-term plans for a hotter, drier future. With experts predicting more extreme weather, saving Cyprus's forests will likely require new methods for managing water and protecting the most vulnerable tree species. This crisis is more than just an environmental issue; it is a fundamental threat to the island's natural character and its diversity of life.