**Cyprus Ranks Second in EU for Land Under Desertification Conditions**
Cyprus has been identified as having the second highest percentage of land under desertification conditions within the European Union, according to a recent report released by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). The report, published on Tuesday, reveals that 45 percent of Cyprus's land is impacted by desertification, placing it just behind Spain, which has 53 percent of its territory affected.
Desertification is a significant environmental challenge that results from various factors, including climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land management practices. The JRC's findings highlight the critical situation in Cyprus, where a substantial portion of the land is at risk of degradation.
In addition to the extensive land affected, the report also indicates that Cyprus has the highest proportion of its population living in areas impacted by desertification. Approximately 61 percent of the population, which translates to around 700,000 individuals, reside in these vulnerable regions. This statistic underscores the potential socio-economic implications of desertification for the island's residents.
The situation in Cyprus is contrasted with other EU countries. Greece follows with 47 percent of its population living in areas affected by desertification, while Spain has 43 percent. Other countries mentioned in the report include Romania, with 39 percent of its population at risk, and Bulgaria, with 37 percent.
Overall, the report outlines that drylands across the EU cover approximately 611,000 square kilometers, accounting for about 15 percent of the total territory of the bloc. Of this area, around 530,000 square kilometers are currently affected by desertification, impacting an estimated 42 million people across the EU.
The findings of the JRC report are a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders in Cyprus and beyond. Addressing the challenges posed by desertification is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for the health and well-being of the populations living in affected areas. As the EU continues to grapple with climate change and environmental degradation, the situation in Cyprus serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat desertification and promote sustainable land use practices.