CYPRUS IS AN island in the eastern Mediterranean separated territorially between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, an independent state formed in 1983, but only recognized by Turkey. Cyprus buffers the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, in the Mediterranean basin.

The island presents diverse landscapes, including two mountain ranges, the central plains of Messariois, and a differentiated coastline. The political and territorial partition of the island shapes the fragmented contemporary national environmental response to climate change and pollution.

The exodus of a large number of refugees from the north of the island, following the Turkish deployment of troops in 1974, triggered rapid development of the Greek-Cypriot region, a process notable in the construction of a vibrant tourist industry, which has ...