Cyprus now has its first nationwide inventory measuring the biomass and carbon stored by individual trees. Developed by researchers at The Cyprus Institute, the new tool is designed to improve forest monitoring, restoration planning and climate adaptation.
The inventory combines a new artificial intelligence-based methodology with field measurements collected by the Cyprus Department of Forests. It allows changes in tree biomass and carbon stocks to be monitored systematically and repeatedly over time.
Trees beyond traditional forests
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon in their biomass, helping to mitigate climate change. They also cool urban areas, improve air quality and support biodiversity.
The study found that nearly one-third of Cyprus’ tree cover is located outside forests.
At Athalassa National Forest Park in Aglantzia, the inventory identified a high concentration of large trees within an urban environment. The finding highlights the contribution of urban green spaces and trees outside traditional forest areas.
Wildfires erase gains in carbon storage
The inventory found that gains in forest carbon storage over the past seven years have been offset by recurrent wildfires and drought-related tree mortality.
Since 2014, more than 360,000 trees have been affected by wildfires, resulting in estimated losses of over 300,000 tonnes of biomass and 140,000 tonnes of stored carbon.
According to the researchers, the new methodology captures losses that previous approaches could not quantify with the same accuracy, particularly those caused by smaller and isolated wildfires.
Supporting forest and climate policy
The inventory provides a framework for systematically monitoring Cyprus’ forest and tree resources. It can be used to assess the effects of wildfires and drought, evaluate restoration programmes and support evidence-based forest management and climate adaptation.
“For the first time, we can monitor Cyprus’ trees with a level of detail that was not previously possible,” said Anna Zenonos, Graduate Research Fellow at the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre of The Cyprus Institute and first author of the study.
“In the Eastern Mediterranean, one of the regions most affected by climate change, increasing pressure from drought and wildfires makes reliable data more important than ever,” she added.
“This new capability helps us better understand how our trees and ecosystems are changing and provides a strong scientific basis for planning measures to protect and manage our natural resources.”
