20% of Forested Areas Threatened by Caterpillar Infestation says Tel

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s "Gündem" program hosted by Ulaş Barış, Tel stated that Northern Cyprus has only 76,000 hectares of forested land, making this loss significant. Tel quoted Forestry Department Director Altay Fırat, who confirmed that at least 15,000 hectares are infected despite efforts to combat the problem using traps.

Tel emphasized that saving these trees requires a budget of approximately €1.8 million, which has not been allocated by the Ministry of Finance. Criticizing the lack of funding, Tel remarked, “If there’s money, spend it on saving the trees. If there’s no money, stop granting tax exemptions for the wealthy.”

She also highlighted that her inquiry to Agriculture and Natural Resources Minister Hüseyin Çavuş about why the issue has not gone to tender received a simple response: “There’s no money.”

Delayed Action and Growing Threat

Tel explained that this year's efforts are already too late. “Even if a tender process starts today, it would be impossible to address the problem in time. This year, we will end with at least 15,000 hectares of infected land, compounded by drought, leading to massive tree loss,” she said.

Tel stressed the rapid spread of the infestation, noting that the caterpillars reproduce extensively and can move from tree to tree, exacerbating the issue.

Cooperation with the South

Tel revealed ongoing efforts to learn about aerial intervention methods from Southern Cyprus, where extensive ground-based pesticide application has reportedly been completed along village roads and surroundings. “We are waiting for further information as their operations progress,” she added.

Highlighting the vital role of trees in combating climate change, Tel called for urgent and decisive action to prevent further ecological damage.