More than 3,000 deep-rooted and aromatic plants have already been planted in fields threatened by desertification, Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou, said on Tuesday at a press conference announcing the launch of the second year of implementation of the LIFE-AgrOassis European project.

As noted during the press conference, the aim of the project, which is under the auspices of the Environment Commissioner, and which is co-financed by the EU, is to plant approximately 18,000 plants in hedgerows around arable land by 2026, which will reach a total length of 30 kilometers.

Theodosiou, who officially announced the start of the new planting season of the project, which is coordinated by the Agricultural Research Institute, explained that by using an innovative method that is being tested for the first time in Europe, under the scientific guidance of the KES Research Centre, irrigation needs in arable lands are reduced, while the resistance of plants to drought is enhanced.

“The climate crisis requires immediate action and practical measures to adapt to its consequences,” noted the Commissioner, adding that Cyprus is facing increasing desertification phenomena, which are exacerbated by climate change. She explained that the hedgerows that are created as part of the project, protect the soil, create more favourable conditions for vegetation and retain soil moisture.

She added that the selection of local indigenous species such as olive and carob trees, pistacia terebinthus and azaroles that are adapted to Cyprus’ drought conditions, ensures their viability and reduces irrigation needs.

According to Demetris Sarris, Director of the KES Research Centre and Scientific Manager of the project, the reduction of soil temperature by up to 30 degrees is achieved through the creation of hedgerows.

Sarris, who presented the innovative planting method, said that the KES Research Centre and the Cyprus Department of Forests have already produced 7,000 trees using the Deep Root Training Tubes method while another 4,000 will be prepared next year. He added that this method achieves greater root growth within 90 days, as well as greater shoot productivity. These seedlings, Sarris said, are better adapted to drought conditions.