The tree management practices at Nicosia’s Academy Forest Park, also known as Alsos Forest, have come under scrutiny. Former Movement of Ecologists-Citizens’ Cooperation Party leader George Perdikis has raised concerns about the recent cutting and pruning of approximately sixty trees in the park, questioning the transparency of the Forestry Department’s operations.
Located between the municipalities of Aglantzia and Nicosia, the 45-hectare park is a beloved green space, only two kilometres from the city centre. Established in the early 20th century, it was originally a wetland area transformed by the British colonial government, which introduced eucalyptus trees to manage water levels. Today, the park is a habitat of various plant species and wildlife.
On 16 October, the Forestry Department announced planned works in the park, which would occur throughout October and November. These include playground maintenance, flood prevention measures as part of the Holistic Water Management Plan, and forestry interventions aimed at fire protection.
However, Perdikis expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of information provided by the Forestry Department. He stated that despite his inquiry about the number of trees to be felled, he had yet to receive a response. “I have visited the area and have the impression that the cutting of eucalyptus trees (approximately 20) and the drastic pruning of another 40 or so is being done almost arbitrarily,” he noted in a Facebook post.
The former party leader highlighted a significant absence of detailed planning from the department, including layouts and cross-section drawings of the affected areas. He pointed out that the process seemed to bypass the necessary Environmental Impact Assessments, raising questions about the approval from the Environmental Authority. “For all the above reasons, despite the fact that the work appears to be necessary, unfortunately a crisis has been caused through the fault of the Forestry Department,” Perdikis added.
In response to the backlash, the Forestry Department issued a clarification on 26 October, stating that the flood prevention works are part of the Cyprus Flood Risk Management Plan. This initiative aims to control flood flows from the Kateva River, protect residential areas downstream, and retain rainwater within the park to combat drought.
The department assured the public that the decision to create a retention lake covering 3.8 decares was based on thorough hydrological studies aimed at minimising the environmental impact. They emphasised the project’s role in addressing significant flooding issues while also enhancing the park’s natural environment.
Despite these reassurances, Perdikis warned that the park remains vulnerable to fires due to unmanaged biomass, including dry branches, grass, and debris. He recounted instances where citizens intervened to extinguish fires during summer, highlighting a lack of automatic monitoring systems. “There was no timely intervention,” he remarked, raising further concerns about the park’s ongoing safety.
Calling for a more collaborative approach, Perdikis urged the Forestry Department to engage with local organisations and citizens for cooperation on safeguarding the Pedagogical Academy forest. He acknowledged the importance of the department’s role, especially in light of discussions about its potential dissolution by the government, and expressed hope for a more transparent and informed management of the park in the future.