Cyprus Times

Revealing Audit Report on Forestry Department: State Forest Land Leases, Delayed Revenue and Environmental Omissions

Published January 27, 2026, 08:08
Revealing Audit Report on Forestry Department: State Forest Land Leases, Delayed Revenue and Environmental Omissions

An audit report reveals serious omissions and lack of transparency in the Forestry Department regarding the leasing of state forest land and revenue management. The report covers the period 2018-2024 and highlights inconsistencies in concessions, lack of documentation, delays in environmental assessment in Natura 2000 areas, non-compliance with contractual terms and significant delays in revenue collection. Specifically, it mentions an outstanding debt of 1.3 million euros, of which 917,395 euros relate to a debt from a hotel in the Troodos region for the period 2007-2024. The inability to document the rent revision led to a negative court decision for the Republic. The report emphasizes the need to improve procedures and transparency in the management of state forest land.