**New CyI Study Creates Island’s First Nationwide Tree-Level Biomass and Carbon Inventory**
For the first time, Cyprus has established a comprehensive inventory detailing the biomass and carbon stored by its trees. This groundbreaking study, conducted by researchers at The Cyprus Institute, offers a tree-level inventory of biomass and carbon stocks across the island, serving as a vital tool for forest monitoring and climate adaptation efforts.
The innovative inventory was developed using an artificial intelligence-based methodology, which was complemented by field measurements collected in collaboration with the Cyprus Department of Forests. This new approach allows for systematic and repeatable monitoring of changes in tree biomass and carbon stocks over time, providing essential scientific data to support forest management, post-fire restoration, and climate adaptation strategies.
**The Role of Trees in Climate Mitigation**
Trees play a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing carbon within their biomass. In addition to their carbon storage capabilities, trees provide significant ecosystem services, such as cooling urban areas, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. The study revealed that nearly one-third of Cyprus’s tree cover exists outside designated forest areas. A notable example highlighted in the inventory is the Athalassa National Forest Park in Aglantzia, where a high density of large trees was identified within an urban setting. This finding underscores the importance of urban green spaces and trees in contributing to the overall ecological health of the island.
**Impact of Wildfires on Forest Carbon Storage**
The inventory also sheds light on the adverse effects of wildfires and drought on forest carbon storage. Over the past seven years, the study indicates that gains in carbon storage within forests have been significantly offset by recurrent wildfires and tree mortality linked to drought conditions. Since 2014, it is estimated that more than 360,000 trees have been impacted by wildfires, resulting in the loss of over 300,000 tonnes of biomass and 140,000 tonnes of stored carbon. The new inventory methodology has enabled researchers to quantify these losses with greater accuracy, particularly for smaller and isolated wildfires that previous methods were unable to assess effectively.
**A New Framework for Forest Monitoring and Climate Adaptation**
Beyond its scientific contributions, this inventory establishes a robust framework for the ongoing monitoring of Cyprus's forest and tree resources. It provides a stronger scientific basis for evaluating the impacts of wildfires and drought, assessing restoration efforts, and supporting evidence-based forest management and climate adaptation initiatives.
Anna Zenonos, a Graduate Research Fellow at the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C) of The Cyprus Institute and the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of this new capability. “For the first time, we can monitor Cyprus’s trees with a level of detail that was not previously possible,” she stated. “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. 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.”
The creation of this nationwide tree-level biomass and carbon inventory marks a significant advancement in environmental science in Cyprus, offering critical insights that can aid in the sustainable management of the island's forests and contribute to broader climate adaptation efforts. As Cyprus continues to face the challenges posed by climate change, this new tool will be invaluable in fostering resilience and ensuring the health of its natural ecosystems.