To combat desertification in Cyprus, 18,000 trees will be planted

To combat desertification in Cyprus, 18,000 trees will be planted as part of the LIFE AgrOassis program. The project implementation is planned until 2026.

The first batch of trees will be planted on Friday, December 15, near the village of Tersefanu. Maria Panayiotou, the Republic of Cyprus Environmental Protection Commissioner, will participate in the environmental initiative.

In total, during the first stage from December 15, 2023, to February 29, 2024, 3,000 trees and shrubs with deep root systems will be planted in Cyprus. Drought-resistant varieties have been specifically chosen for planting, which will resist erosion and slow down the rate of soil moisture evaporation.

LIFE AgrOassis is a joint project between Cyprus and the European Union aimed at greening the island. The project's total budget is 2.3 million euros, with 60% of this amount coming from EU funds.

It is also noted that the European Union has tasked Cyprus with planting at least three million trees by 2030, capable of absorbing carbon dioxide. This will help reduce the size of penalties for emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere.