Forestry college reopens after nearly a decade

The Cyprus government has taken a major step in reviving the country’s forestry sector by reopening the Cyprus forestry college after nearly a decade. The initiative aims to equip the forestry department with skilled professionals while enhancing efforts to protect the island’s forests from fires and environmental threats.

Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced on Monday the opening of 20 forestry apprentice positions for the “Higher Diploma in Forestry” programme. She described the move as a crucial investment in Cyprus’ natural resources and an essential measure to safeguard biodiversity.

“The reopening of the forestry college is a strategic choice that addresses the urgent need to strengthen the forestry department with trained personnel,” Panayiotou stated. 

“Our forests are a vital national asset, and their sustainable management requires expertise and continuous investment in education.”

The minister highlighted that the upgraded curriculum and modern teaching standards would fill the educational gap left by the college’s closure. She emphasised that the reopening would not only train future foresters but also provide vital skills to firefighters and volunteers ahead of the upcoming fire season. Approximately 600 individuals from local authorities, emergency services and volunteer firefighting groups are expected to receive training.

Director of the forestry department, Savvas Iezekiel, described the occasion as “historic,” expressing personal satisfaction at seeing the college revived. He thanked the government and his colleagues for their dedicated efforts in making this a reality.

“The Cyprus forestry college has been the main source of skilled personnel for the forestry department,” Iezekiel said. 

“Now, with certified curricula, modern teaching methods, and upgraded infrastructure, it will provide a new generation of professionals with the knowledge and skills required to manage and protect our forests.”

Applications for the higher diploma in forestry will be accepted from Tuesday, February 11, until noon on Friday, February 28. Interested individuals can submit their forms in person at the central offices of the forestry department. Selection will include both written exams and physical fitness tests to ensure candidates meet the profession’s demands.

Iezekiel noted that initial interest has been strong, with an estimated 400 applicants expected. However, he clarified that graduates would not be obligated to work for the forestry department and could explore careers in various public and private sectors, including environmental consultancy and forest recreation management.

“Graduates can also continue their studies at higher education institutions to obtain further qualifications,” Iezekiel added.

The forestry department currently faces a significant staffing shortage, with hundreds of vacant positions. Iezekiel estimated that it would take around eight to ten years to fully address the shortfall, making job prospects for graduates highly promising.

Former forestry department director Paionidis Loukas welcomed the college’s reopening, noting that the push for its revival had been ongoing for 12 years.

“It’s an exciting moment for all of us who have fought for this institution to return,” he said.

The first forest conservator, Andreas Christou confirmed that the higher diploma in forestry programme (suspended in 2015) had now received full certification.

“During this period, we have worked hard to ensure that all educational activities meet modern standards,” he stated.

Director of the forestry college, Andreas Mavroyiakoumos, echoed this sentiment, expressing both joy and relief that the institution was returning to full operation. He noted that, despite its official suspension, the college had continued to provide training to various government bodies, NGOs, and individuals on forestry and environmental issues.