Free tree — Free Tree Saplings Offered to Combat Climate Change in Cyprus

free tree — As Cyprus intensifies its fight against climate change, the forestry department is providing free tree saplings to public bodies and residents in a significant initiative. The ‘planting for the climate’ programme aims to distribute up to 100,000 saplings, valued at €250,000, during the planting season from November to February.

Free tree: Supporting a National Goal

The initiative is part of a broader ambition to plant one million new trees across Cyprus by 2030. This effort aligns with a European Union commitment to plant three billion trees by the same deadline. To facilitate tracking the progress of these environmental efforts, the forestry department has established a dedicated database, monitoring activities from 2019 onwards.

Eligibility and Application Process

The free saplings are available to a variety of eligible applicants, including local authorities, schools, government services, churches, and organised citizen initiatives with appropriate planting sites. If the demand from these groups is insufficient, up to half of the saplings will be allocated to individual residents.

Applications for the saplings are open from October 8 to November 7. Interested parties can submit their requests at local forestry stations, via email, or through the department’s website. Municipalities are encouraged to collaborate with local groups to enhance their chances of securing these valuable resources.

Seedling Specifications

In addition to smaller saplings, the programme also includes larger saplings grown in containers exceeding three litres, which may be offered free of charge. This approach aims to maximise the impact of the planting initiative by providing a range of options suitable for different planting environments.

Community Engagement

Through this initiative, the forestry department seeks to engage the community in environmental stewardship and promote the importance of tree planting as a tool against climate change. Residents are encouraged to participate actively, whether through individual applications or by joining organised efforts in their localities.