Researchers at The Cyprus Institute have developed the country’s first nationwide tree-level inventory of biomass and carbon storage, providing a new tool to help monitor forests, assess wildfire damage and support climate adaptation.
Combining artificial intelligence with field data collected by the Cyprus Department of Forests, the project enables scientists to track changes in tree biomass and carbon stocks over time with far greater accuracy than previous methods. The inventory is expected to support evidence-based forest management, post-fire restoration and long-term environmental planning.
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Looking Beyond Forests
One of the study’s key findings is that nearly one-third of Cyprus’ tree cover is located outside traditional forest areas. The inventory identified Athalassa National Forest Park in Aglantzia as an example of how urban green spaces can make a significant contribution to carbon storage and biodiversity.
The findings highlight the role of individual trees and urban vegetation in strengthening climate resilience, particularly in densely populated areas.
Measuring The Impact Of Wildfires
The research also illustrates the growing impact of climate-related pressures on Cyprus’ forests. Since 2014, wildfires have affected more than 360,000 trees, resulting in the loss of over 300,000 tonnes of biomass and around 140,000 tonnes of stored carbon.
According to the researchers, the new inventory captures losses that were previously difficult to quantify, particularly those caused by smaller or isolated wildfires.
Supporting Climate Policy
Beyond documenting current conditions, the inventory establishes a framework for continuously monitoring Cyprus’ forests and tree resources. The data can help evaluate restoration projects, measure the effects of drought and wildfires, and support future climate and environmental policies.
Anna Zenonos, a Graduate Research Fellow at the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C) and the study’s lead author, said the new methodology makes it possible to monitor Cyprus’ trees with a level of detail that was previously unavailable. She added that reliable environmental data is becoming increasingly important as droughts and wildfires continue to intensify across the Eastern Mediterranean.
