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Information for Cyprus Expats on the forests to be found in Cyprus
Platres, Troodos Mountains & Forest
THE CYPRUS FORESTS
The forests of Cyprus (state and private) cover about 42% of the total area of the island (about 18.5% are high forests and 23.5% are maquis forests). They are natural forests consisting mainly of Brutia pine (Pinus brutia) and Black pine (Pinus nigra ssp. Pallasiana), which covers the higher slopes of the Troodos Range. Other species include the Cypress, Juniper, Plane and Alder. Endemic species include the Golden oak (Quercus alnifolia), and Cedars (Cedrus brevifolia), which are found in the Pafos Forest.
The Department of Forests, (www.moa.gov.cy/forest) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, administers the state forests, implements government policy with regard to forests and is responsible for implementing plans for forest development.
The forests of Cyprus are an important national resource. They provide timber and non-wood products and contribute significantly to the beauty of the landscape, the preservation of the national heritage, the protection of water supplies, and contribute to the economic development of village communities. Forests also attract visitors from foreign countries, in this way contributing to the national economy. Issues concerning the preservation of forests are safeguarded by the Forest Law and by provisions for proper management in line with an excellent National Forest Program and forest policy.
Objectives of the National Forest Program
The general objectives of the National Forest Program are in line with the forest policy which is geared at the development of the forest sector in general, assisting the local communities to benefit as much as possible from this and upgrading the recreational and social services that the state and the forests provide to the public, through the following targets:
• The sustainable development, protection and conservation of natural resources.
• The expansion of forests through forestation of government lands and abandoned private lands.
• The preservation and improvement of the natural environment and natural heritage.
• The expansion and upgrading of the infrastructure for tourism and recreation, and
• Environmental education for citizens.
Fire Hazards
In Cyprus, as in many other countries of the Mediterranean basin, fire is considered by far the most destructive single agent which poses a threat to the forests and other wooded areas. The prolonged hot, dry and windy summers, the configuration of the ground and the flammability of the vegetation favour the outbreak and quick spreading of fires. Furthermore, the urbanization, the abandonment of rural areas and the increased number of visitors to the forests for recreation, raise the fire hazard to very high levels.
Taking a look at the forest fire incidents it can be concluded that the largest percentage of forest fires in Cyprus (9,2%), and especially the most destructive ones, are due to human negligence as well as agricultural and recreational activities, burning of rubbish, hunting and other human activies. A number of fires are attributed to natural causes (8%). However, these type of fires are not considered to be a significant threat to the forests, as they occur during winter time and the areas burnt are usually very small.
Recreation Grounds in Forest Areas
The Forestry Department attaches great importance to the creation, improvement and expansion of public picnic and camping sites, as well as the establishment, development and maintenance of National Forest Parks within the state forest.
Recreation grounds such as picnic and camping sites, nature trails, viewing locations, bicycle paths, botanical centers and gardens are continuously being upgraded. Within the area of the state forests there are 40 picnic sites managed by the Forestry Department with a total capacity for 23.000 persons. They provide all the basic facilities for picnics including barbeque grills, drinking water, tables and latrines. They also provide facilities for persons who use wheelchairs. Five camping sites with a total capacity for 2.400 persons are situated within the state forests. Three of them are managed by the Forestry Department while the other two by other agencies.
Nature Trails
During the recent years many nature trails (over 50) have been established in various parts of the Cyprus forests (Akamas, Pafos, Troodos, Limassol, Adelfi, Macheras, and Kavo Greko), with a total length of 170 km. The nature trails attract many walkers both from Cyprus and abroad, giving them the opportunity to study the flora and geology of Cyprus and enjoy its environment and scenery.
Visitor Centres
Two Visitor Centres have been created, one in the Troodos National Forest Park (Troodos square) and the other one at Athalassa National Forest Park. Their establishment is in line with the objectives of the forest policy. Their purpose has a recreational, educational, training and informative character giving emphasis on the local environment and the elements of the Troodos area and the Nicosia – Larnaka lowlands respectively. Their main purpose is:
• To introduce visitors to the benefits and role of the forests.
• To present the attempts being made to protect the natural heritage and to make people aware of the importance of such an effort.
• To inspire the respect and love for nature.PIO
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