General Information

The Troodos range is the predominant geological and morphological feature on the island. It is covered mostly with natural forests of unique beauty and hosts invaluable plant and animal habitats. Graphic villages that maintain local culture, tradition and customs, are scattered all over the Range. To the west, it extends to the Paphos district and to the east it stretches over large parts of Lefkosia, Lemesos and Larnaka districts. The Troodos forest occupies the heart of the Range and includes its highest peaks (up to 1952m). The largest part of the forest about 9000ha or 90Km2, was designated a National Forest Park in 1992. The main aim was to safeguard its rational use and to perpetuate the values and functions of the area: ecological, scientific, recreational, hydrological and economic.

Geographical position

The Troodos forest lies, about 40km north of Lemesos and 60km west Lefkosia. It covers an altitudinal zone of 600m (lowest point near Saittas) and 1952m (highest peak, Chionistra). To the north it extends to the main road Kakopetria - Prodromos; to the west up to the villages Lemythou, Ayios Demetrios and Pano Platres; to the south, it is bound by the villages Moniatis and Pelendri and its eastern boundaries roughly follow the road Phlylagra - Kato Amiandos - Kakopetria.

Management

The entire Park area is a state forest and is therefore public property. The management of the Park is the responsibility of the Forestry Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. The headquarters of management are at Platania Forest Station near Kakopetria. Forest Offices operate also at Pano Platres, Saittas and Pano Amiandos. The main management activities include protection from fire, nature conservation, recreation management, reforestation, restoration of Amiandos asbestos mine, maintenance of forest roads etc.