Countries

Forests and the forestry sector

Resources
In classical times Cyprus was richly forested. Now, forests cover only 18.6 percent of the land area (172 000 ha). Coniferous species predominate, the most important of which are pines as well as cedar and cypress. Among the more common broadleaved species are oaks, maple, alder, carob and pistachio and, among introduced species, Acacia saligna and Morus spp. Less than two-fifths of the forest is available for wood supply. About 7 percent of forest area is not available for wood supply for protection/conservation reasons; most of the rest is not available for economic reasons. Some 62 percent of the forest area is protected (IUCN Categories I to VI).

About three-quarters of the forest is classed as semi-natural; there is no forest undisturbed by humans. Fires are a problem, but progress has been made in controlling them.

More than 60 percent of the forest area is publicly owned. However, private forestry is characterized by ¿passive ownership¿, and there is often no forest management.

The setting up of National Parks and Nature Reserves is now receiving priority attention. There are six National Forest Parks, two in coastal areas (Liopetri and Cavo Greco), three around Nicosia and one at Troodos, and two Nature Reserves at Troodos.

Products
Cyprus is a small producer of forest products and it relies mainly on imports. Roundwood production is based on softwood species, and is processed into sawnwood and particle board for domestic consumption.

The demand for wood is increasing, but the volume to be removed is prescribed by the Forest Service, and normally does not exceed about 25 000 m3, as the emphasis is given to the environmental values of forests, mainly on the prevention and control of soil erosion.

Hunting and the collection of non-wood forest products is important for the local population. Non-wood forest products in the country include nuts, mushrooms, game, honey and aromatic and medicinal plants. Forest services are very important and they include nature conservation as well as recreation and tourism.

Last updated: May 2002