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Volunteers have started reforesting the island as part of GreenCyprusCom’s first campaign. Armed with shovels and shears, all participants gathered at the first tree-planting event, bringing the island one step closer towards beautiful green pastures.

The representatives of Department of Forests attended the event and gave advice on tree planting: “First of all, the seedling’s root ends need to be cut. They must then be placed in a small hole in the ground and surrounded with loose soil.”

Tree-planting truly is a great activity for everyone to be involved. The event proved to be a fun and easy activity for all the volunteers, including the children.

"I'm proud to have cultivated something so beautiful. My children and descendants will get to see what I've done", said Maxim Okulov, CEO of the Cyprus Inform group of companies.

This is just the first step in GreenCyprusCom’s movement. Although the trees have been planted, the work doesn’t end there. Trees need special care to ensure that they will grow and survive in years to come.

Deforestation has become a national problem in Cyprus. Last year, a blazing and uncontrollable fire destroyed almost 20 sq.km of forestry. Extinguishing the fire remained difficult, even with support from three neighbouring countries. Along with fires, dry climate and hot weather also contribute to the deforestation in Cyprus, as well as human activity has a great impact on the island’s green forested areas.

Philanthropist and President of GL Financial Group, German Lillevyali, who is the sponsor and initiator of GreenCyprusCom added, "Due to human activity, all plant life may eventually disappear. This event is the first step towards reviving the greenery in our lives".

The proceeds from Cyprus Land Theme Park ticket sales help fund the GreenCyprusCom project. Svetlana Petrachkova, the architect of CyprusLand, also took part in the event. She emphasized that "Cyprus nature is not the same as it was many years ago. Today, greenery covers only 30% of the island".

The organizers of the project plan to plant at least one thousand trees by the beginning of March and approximately 20,000 trees by the end of the year.

The director of GreenCypursCom, Alexander Lazeba, also encourages those who want to become volunteers in the project, “GreenCyprusCom will provide you with specialized equipment, seedlings and transportation to the tree-planting location. All you have to do is join the movement. GreenCyprusCom needs your help to paint the island green again.”