Cyprus

Cyprus Environment Overview

Cyprus, an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, boasts a characteristic Mediterranean climate, marked by warm, arid summers and mild winters. This climate supports a variety of ecosystems and wildlife, making Cyprus an important ecological region. The island is home to the Troodos Geopark, a recognized global geopark since 2023, highlighting its unique geological features. Despite its natural beauty, Cyprus faces significant environmental challenges, including limited water availability and contamination of water bodies from various sources. These issues are compounded by the pressures of urbanization, with 67% of the population residing in urban areas and a steady urbanization rate of 0.76% annually. Furthermore, Cyprus is committed to several international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement, underscoring its dedication to addressing global environmental concerns. With a growing focus on sustainable practices, Cyprus continues to navigate the complexities of balancing development with environmental preservation. This section provides an in-depth look at Cyprus's environment, climate, and the steps being taken towards sustainability.

Climate

Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, arid summers and mild winters

Geoparks

global geoparks and regional networks

Troodos (2023)

total global geoparks and regional networks

1

Land use

other

67.1% (2023 est.)

forest

18.6% (2023 est.)

agricultural land

14% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 10.6% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 3.1% (2023 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.)

Urbanization

urban population

67% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization

0.76% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually

769,500 tons (2024 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled

17.6% (2022 est.)

Environmental issues

limited water availability; salinization; contamination of water bodies due to sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural chemicals; degradation of coastal areas; erosion; habitat destruction for wildlife due to urban development

Total water withdrawal

municipal

112 million cubic meters (2022)

industrial

17 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

agricultural

177 million cubic meters (2022)

Carbon dioxide emissions

total emissions

6.837 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke

100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids

6.737 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions

14.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Total renewable water resources

780 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

International environmental agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements