A severe and protracted drought is pushing Cyprus's cherished forests to the brink of ecological collapse, with forestry officials warning of irreversible damage to ancient woodlands. The island is grappling with its most significant water shortage in over a decade and a half, leading to widespread tree mortality that experts describe as unparalleled. Savvas Ezekiel, the director of the Cyprus forestry department, issued a stark public warning during a recent radio broadcast, stating that the cumulative effect of successive dry years has critically compromised the health of even the most resilient arboreal specimens.
The crisis, stemming from a prolonged period of drastically diminished rainfall, is unfolding across the island's diverse landscapes. Consecutive years of precipitation falling far below average levels have depleted soil moisture to critical thresholds, leaving vast swathes of woodland unable to sustain themselves. While certain regions with more favourable microclimates, such as the Troodos mountains and Cape Greco, are currently demonstrating greater stability, other iconic locations are experiencing rapid deterioration. The cumulative stress has left mature trees, which typically withstand seasonal dry spells, vulnerable to desiccation and death.
Among the most severely impacted areas is the renowned cedar valley, where approximately two-fifths of the trees have already perished due to water scarcity. The situation is equally dire in the forested regions of Kakomalis, Machairas, and Akamas. The devastation spans several key species, including the Turkish pine, the Jerusalem pine, and the endemic golden oak, a unique species of significant ecological importance to the island. Forestry department teams are currently conducting extensive assessments to fully gauge the scale of the environmental disaster. The director lamented the impending loss, noting, "We will lose many centuries-old trees," a testament to the severity of the conditions.
The mechanisms of this ecological decline are multifaceted. Younger saplings, with their underdeveloped root systems, are particularly susceptible, often succumbing within a matter of weeks during intense summer heatwaves. However, the relentless multi-year drought has progressively exhausted the reserves of even the largest trees, leading to a systemic failure. The repercussions extend beyond the flora; the hydrological system underpinning these ecosystems is also faltering. River flows have diminished to a trickle, and natural springs—vital water sources for birds and other wildlife—are drying up, triggering a cascade of negative consequences for biodiversity.
The long-term implications are profound. The potential loss of ancient trees and endemic species would represent an irreplaceable blow to Cyprus's natural heritage and could alter the island's ecological balance for generations. The director characterized the predicament as "unprecedented and threatens the island’s oldest forests." The outlook for the immediate future remains precarious, hinging almost entirely on the precipitation levels of the approaching winter. Should the upcoming season fail to deliver substantial and sustained rainfall, officials fear the situation will deteriorate dramatically, accelerating the decline of these vital natural habitats and the ecosystems they support.