Although CUT does not have extended large areas with trees, plants, or other green spaces, it places particular emphasis on creating and maintaining greenery wherever possible. Plant selection is carried out with full consideration of the climatic conditions of Cyprus, ensuring that the species used are drought-resistant and require limited water consumption, thereby enhancing the aesthetic value of the university environment, improving the quality of life of the university community, and promoting the principle of sustainable development with respect for the natural resources of the region (evidence available here).

At the University’s green areas, native Mediterranean species are planted, such as olive trees (Olea europaea) and carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua), which are resilient to drought and well-suited for sustainable water management. These species have been incorporated, for example, into the outdoor areas of the Andreas Themistocleous building. Water-conscious planting practices also extend to CUT’s agricultural field in the village of Lofou and to the University greenhouse, where drought-tolerant and climate-appropriate species are cultivated for research, teaching, and student training purposes. Within the greenhouse, CUT maintains a dedicated aromatic plants garden that includes several traditional and endemic aromatic species, supporting both sustainable water use and the conservation and promotion of the botanical diversity of Cyprus.

Through research projects- primarily within the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Food Sciences (e.g. Opti-AromaQ)- CUT supports the study, propagation, and sustainable use of indigenous and endemic plants, many of which are naturally drought-tolerant.

CUT further promotes the use of such species in the wider community by distributing plants for adoption. In 2024, more than 950 drought-tolerant plants cultivated by students were distributed to the local community, university personnel, and students, as announced here.

Looking ahead, CUT’s future development project at the Berengaria site includes designated green spaces that will be landscaped using drought-resistant and climate-appropriate species, further strengthening the University’s long- term commitment to sustainable, water- conscious planting.