The National Forest Athalassa is located about 5 kilometers southeast of Nicosia total area of 840 ha. Largest forest of Cyprus
The administration and management of the park belongs to the Forest Department, while it is in the forest region of Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta. Located in a key geographic area of the island it encloses in its borders the developing areas of Aglantzia, Strovolos, Latsia and Geri. It is a source of leisure and oxygen for the locals and the visitors of the Cyprus’ capital.
The National Forest Athalassa has plenty of underground waters, relatively smooth terrain and it consists of geological formations of the Troodos Mountain range, some of which were formed during the Cenozoic era. Throughout the area, there are growing more than 300 trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, of which “natural” species are found only in the area around the two fences, while the rich fauna of the park counts about 173 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies 7 species of mammals, 6 species of reptiles, as well as an amphibian. Significant contribution to the development of the park has always been the standard planting of trees by schools and organized groups during the tree festival, organized by the competent bodies of the park.
During the last 20 years the park hosts a botanical garden where more than 200 exotic and native species of trees and bushes are hosted, a pine clone bank and the “park of the nations”.
The Athalassa Park has become a European reference for how a natural area can combine green infrastructure and urban development.
Resources needed
- Environmental enrichment
- New botanical gardens
- Recruitment of more foresters
Evidence of success
- Main green lung of Nicosia
- Most visited park in Cyprus ( high satisfaction of people’s needs for recreational activities, sports, and well-being, provision of environmental education and research opportunities).
- The largest green area in the wider region.
Difficulties encountered
Decrease in rainfall from past averages of 400 to currently 300 mm/yr.
The transition of the vegetation:
Pollution of its water bodies (from upstream waste carried by rivers)
Illegal hunting in the park
Potential for learning or transfer
Athalassa Forest Park was an abundant, declined and inaccessible area. The last decades was transformed into an oasis of greenery with many endemic, indigenous trees, shrubs and herbs. It is the main green lung of the district of Nicosia, the largest green area in the wider region and the most visited urban park in Cyprus.
This good practice can be replicated in any European region.
