**Nicosia, Cyprus** – New data released by Eurostat, the European Union's statistical office, has placed Cyprus at the very bottom of member states regarding forest growth rates. The island nation recorded a mere 1.6 per cent expansion in its forest biomass, significantly trailing behind the EU average and highlighting a deliberate policy choice by the Cypriot government. This low growth rate underscores Cyprus's considerable reliance on imported timber to satisfy domestic demand, a situation that is unlikely to change in the immediate future.
The figures, unveiled on Friday, paint a stark picture of Cyprus's forestry landscape when juxtaposed with other EU nations. While countries like Portugal boast an impressive 11.1 per cent growth rate and Denmark records a healthy 7.6 per cent, Cyprus finds itself in the company of Malta, which reported zero growth. Bulgaria and Estonia registered 1.8 per cent, indicating a modest but steady increase in their timber stocks. Cyprus also ranks among those with the least favourable net increment in timber volume. This statistical standing is a direct consequence of the Cypriot government's strategic approach to managing its forest resources.
Instead of prioritising the commercial exploitation and rapid expansion of timber production, the Forestry Department in Cyprus has championed an ethos centred on ecological preservation, the safeguarding of biodiversity, the provision of recreational spaces, and the cultivation of environmental consciousness among its populace. This policy framework, while beneficial for the island's natural heritage and its inhabitants' well-being, inherently curtails the potential for substantial timber yield. Consequently, Cyprus imports a significant proportion of its timber needs, sourcing from both fellow EU member states and non-EU countries.
The implications of this policy are far-reaching. For the EU's broader objectives concerning sustainable forest management, the development of a robust bioeconomy, and the achievement of climate targets, the varied growth rates across member states present a complex mosaic. Cyprus’s contribution to the EU’s overall timber stock is minimal due to its growth trajectory. The island’s current timber market statement, submitted to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in preparation for 2025, is expected to reiterate this commitment to environmental stewardship over commercial forestry.
Approximately 18 per cent of Cyprus's total landmass is designated as state forest land. While this represents a substantial area, the management philosophy dictates that interventions aimed at increasing timber output are secondary to maintaining the ecological integrity of these vital ecosystems. This approach ensures that Cyprus’s forests continue to serve as crucial habitats for native flora and fauna, as well as offering invaluable natural retreats for residents and tourists alike. However, it also solidifies the island's position as a net importer of timber, a reality that necessitates careful consideration within national and EU-level resource planning. The Eurostat data, therefore, serves not as a critique, but as a factual reflection of Cyprus's distinct priorities in the realm of environmental governance.