Nicosia: Cyprus ranks as the second highest in the European Union for the proportion of land affected by desertification, with 45% of its territory classified under such conditions. According to a report by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), Cyprus holds one of the highest percentages within the EU regarding the extent of land degradation and desertification.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the JRC report, entitled 'Towards a Better Characterisation of Land Degradation and Desertification in the European Union,' offers an updated methodology for mapping EU areas impacted by these environmental challenges. The report identifies Spain as having the highest share of land under desertification conditions at 53%, with Cyprus following at 45%, and Greece at 36%.
Furthermore, Cyprus records the highest proportion of its population living in areas affected by desertification. Approximately 61% of Cypriots, equating to around 0.7 million people, reside in these conditions. Greece follows with 47% of its population affected, while Spain, Romania, and Bulgaria report 43%, 39%, and 37%, respectively.
The JRC report also highlights that, at the EU level, drylands cover about 15% of the Union, corresponding to 611,000 square kilometres-an area roughly twice the size of Italy. Of this expanse, 530,000 square kilometres are affected by desertification, impacting around 42 million people across the EU.