Cyprus Institute releases first nationwide tree biomass and carbon inventory

Researchers at the Cyprus Institute have released the island's first comprehensive inventory of tree biomass and carbon stocks. Utilizing a new artificial intelligence computational model combined with field data from the Cyprus Department of Forests, the study allows for precise, repeatable monitoring of forest health and climate change adaptation.

The findings highlight that while forests have grown over the past seven years, these gains have been largely offset by recurring droughts and forest fires. Specifically, more than 360,000 trees were impacted by fire, resulting in the loss of over 300,000 tons of biomass and 140,000 tons of stored carbon. The study also revealed that approximately one-third of the country's total tree cover exists outside of designated forest areas, emphasizing the importance of broader environmental management.

According to PhD researcher Anna Zenonos, this data provides critical scientific evidence to guide future forest management, post-fire restoration, and climate adaptation strategies. This new tool serves as a foundational resource for the eastern Mediterranean, enabling authorities to better understand how regional ecosystems are evolving under intensifying climate pressure.