According to data released on Friday by the EU statistical service, Eurostat, in 2023 Cyprus recorded the lowest forest growth rate among EU member states – only 1.6%.

State-owned forest lands cover about 18% of the island’s total area and include natural pine forests, reforested areas, meadows, and non-forest lands such as dams and mining sites.

With such a low growth rate, Cyprus ranks alongside Malta, where zero forest growth was recorded, as well as Bulgaria and Estonia, where growth was 1.8% in each of the countries.

At the other end of the scale, Portugal recorded the highest forest growth rate in the EU at 11.1%, followed by Denmark with 7.6%.

Eurostat data also shows that Cyprus is among the member States with the lowest net increase in timber stocks. By comparison, the highest net growth rates were recorded in countries such as Ireland and Latvia.

Forest growth plays a central role in the EU strategy to promote sustainable forest management, support the bioeconomy, and achieve climate goals.

Despite the relatively modest increase in timber, Cyprus is heavily dependent on timber imports from both EU member states and third countries.

In a statement on the timber market for 2025 submitted to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Forestry Department said that the Government of Cyprus manages forest resources with a focus on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, recreation and environmental awareness. This reflects the shift from a focus on wood production to broader social and environmental benefits.

However, the department noted that this approach has limited domestic timber production, leaving Cyprus dependent on imports to meet demand.

https://russiancyprus.news/news/society/cyprus-ranks-last-in-eu-for-forest-growth/