Egypt publishes afforestation plans - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
The Ministry of Environment recently unveiled The Guide to Supporting the Implementation of Afforestation Plans, a step in implementing the presidential initiative to plant 100 million trees, which is meant to reduce pollution, enhance green spaces and ensure environmental sustainability. The guide was released during an event marking National Environment Day 2025 under the theme 'A Green and Sustainable Egypt: Towards a Circular Economy and a Fair Green Transformation'.
The guide is one of the outcomes of the advisory committee established to bolster the ministry's role in the afforestation initiative. Formed under Ministerial Decree 178 of 8 May 2024, the committee includes experts from universities, the Agricultural Research Centre, and civil society organisations.
During the event, Yasmine Fouad, the minister of environment, said the government has placed environmental priorities at the forefront of its national security and foreign policy agenda. The national day is celebrated with a week of diverse environmental activities, each addressing a specific theme. Special attention is given to the 100 Million Trees initiative, which has become a centerpiece of the festivities, she added.
Last month, Fouad noted, Egypt climbed up the environmental ladder to enhance the link between climate change and a fair green transition amid its commitment to reducing emissions, a responsibility largely borne by developed nations. Egypt ranked second in the Arab world and North Africa in the German Watch Report which evaluates climate progress across 65 nations. Furthermore, Egypt ranked 10th globally in achieving renewable energy goals and implementing climate policies that translate into tangible outcomes.
In addition, Egypt submitted its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report, detailing the country's emission-reducing achievements, said Egypt met its 2024 emission reduction targets in the energy sector and even passed the transportation sector's targets by 12 per cent, Fouad said.
Minister of Local Development Manal Awad said the 100 Million Trees plan sought to expand green spaces across Egypt, enhance air quality and mitigate the impact of climate change, referring to greening the Ring Road and Greater Cairo's traffic axes in cooperation between the ministries of environment, agriculture, housing, and local development.
According to the newly released guide, the trees will be coded by the agriculture directorates and governorates, Awad added.
Ayman Farid Abu Hadid, former minister of agriculture and chairman of the advisory committee, stated that while the Ministry of Local Development oversees the implementation of the initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for follow-up and monitoring and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will provide adequate water supplies.
Abu Hadid said the selection of species of trees will be made to suit the characteristics of each area, whether residential, industrial, or along roads and traffic axes, noting the focus will be on cultivating the trees best for wood farming to harness their economic potential. A contract has been approved by the cabinet to manage forests under the usufruct system for the private sector, Abu Hadid pointed out.
Emad Adli, head of the Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE) and member of the advisory committee, said the cabinet ordered the establishment of nurseries on 1,000 square metres of land in each governorate. The nurseries aim to supply the trees necessary for afforestation initiatives. Adli said the guide was meant to increase the engagement of civil society organisations in the environmental effort, encouraging them to promote educational videos and increase people's environmental awareness.
He said the AOYE spearheaded the initiative to declare 27 January as National Environment Day, commemorating the issuance of Environment Law 4/1994. This year's celebration focuses on the connection between water, food, energy and ecosystems, reflecting the foundational principles of sustainable development.
Amr Rabie, a professor of afforestation and forestry at the Agricultural Research Centre and a member of the advisory committee, said the tree initiative spans from 2023 to 2029. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for planting 13 million trees, the Ministry of Local Development 80 million, and the Ministry of Housing seven million.
Mustafa Al-Hakim, a research professor at the Desert Research Centre and a member of the advisory committee, noted that over 16 forests in Egypt are irrigated with treated sewage water.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 30 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Today
2 days ago
- Egypt Today
98.6% of 138K complaints received by 'Your Voice is Heard' Initiative are resolved: Minister
Complaints - file CAIRO - 5 June 2025: Egyptian Minister of Local Development Dr. Manal Awad received a report Wednesday on the efforts made by the "Your Voice Is Heard" initiative during May 2025. The initiative was launched by the Ministry in October 2018 as a direct communication tool with citizens to receive and respond to complaints and suggestions quickly, enhancing trust between citizens and local government. This is part of the government's commitment to strengthening communication channels with citizens and meeting their daily needs. Dr. Manal Awad emphasized that the "Your Voice Is Heard" initiative continues to play its effective role as a link between citizens and the Ministry, by receiving complaints and inquiries and responding to them quickly and transparently. Since its launch, the initiative has successfully received approximately 881,423 messages from citizens via various communication channels, including more than 138,600 complaints. Of these, 136,700 have been resolved, representing a 98.6% completion rate. Work is underway to complete the remaining issues. The Minister of Local Development explained that May 2025 saw the receipt of 7,456 messages, including 1,345 complaints. Of these, 1,136 were resolved, representing 84.5% of the total, while the remaining 209 are currently being addressed. She noted that the initiative's services operate through multiple channels, including the WhatsApp number (01200353111), the "Your Voice is Heard" Facebook page, email, and the hotline (15330). Dr. Manal Awad added that the most prominent complaints received by the initiative during the past month were 364 complaints related to encroachments, followed by 317 complaints related to garbage, 312 complaints related to building violations, 303 complaints related to encroachments on agricultural land and state property, 14 complaints related to corruption, and 35 complaints related to ride fares and price increases, which were forwarded to the relevant authorities for necessary action. The Minister of Local Development indicated that the WhatsApp service received 3,640 messages, including 1,104 complaints, 938 of which were resolved (85%), and 166 complaints are being resolved. The Facebook page also received 2,910 messages, including 153 complaints, 132 of which were resolved (86.3%), and 21 complaints are being resolved. The number of followers of the page reached 98,784, while the email received 906 messages, including 88 complaints, 66 of which were resolved. The hotline received 1,096 phone calls, which included reports of citizens' suggestions, inquiries about submitted complaints, reports of illegal construction, and cases of encroachment on agricultural lands, and they were directed to the competent authorities in the governorates to take the necessary action.
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
UN Hails Egypt's National Climate Dialogue as Model for Inclusive Action
Ahmed Emam The United Nations has commended Egypt for launching a nationwide climate dialogue, describing the initiative as a progressive and inclusive step that strengthens the country's role in global climate leadership. The National Social Dialogue on Climate Change was unveiled by the Ministry of Environment during a high-level event marking World Environment Day. In her address at the launch, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, praised the initiative as a bold move that places the voices of citizens at the center of climate policy. 'This is a clear signal that those affected by climate change must be central to shaping the solutions,' Panova said, echoing a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres: 'We are not only in danger — we are also the danger. But we are also the solution.' Panova highlighted Egypt's growing commitment to sustainable development, citing milestones such as the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, its Vision 2030 roadmap, and its successful hosting of the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. She described these efforts as evidence of a country that is not only responding to the climate crisis, but doing so with clarity of vision and determination. She also congratulated Egypt's Environment Minister, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, on her recent appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — a role Panova said reflects Egypt's increasing influence in international environmental governance. She credited Fouad's leadership for embedding climate priorities into the heart of Egypt's development agenda, particularly through her chairing of the national Climate Change Committee under the Prime Minister's office. Panova noted that the new dialogue initiative will engage local communities across Egypt, ensuring that climate strategies reflect the concerns and needs of those most directly impacted. She emphasized the UN's full support, adding that the process is already benefiting from a wide-ranging collaboration involving multiple UN agencies and Egyptian stakeholders. One of the dialogue's guiding tools will be the Climate Change Perception Survey, conducted under the leadership of researcher Dr. Magued Osman. The survey captured public attitudes toward climate issues and will help shape the discussions taking place across 18 governorates. Panova emphasized that real solutions will emerge from the people themselves, not from distant policymakers. 'Policies written in air-conditioned offices cannot solve a crisis that unfolds under the blazing sun,' she said. 'The answers lie with those living the reality of climate change.' She concluded by reaffirming the United Nations' partnership with Egypt, stressing that the UN stands not as a leader or instructor, but as a supporter and amplifier of national efforts. 'This dialogue builds on the legacy of Sharm El-Sheikh,' Panova said. 'It reminds us that climate justice begins by listening — and that's the path to a more resilient and sustainable future.' read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Egypt Independent
3 days ago
- Egypt Independent
Sharm El Sheikh designated as Egypt's first green city by ICLEI
Sharm El Sheikh has officially become Egypt's first city to be recognized as a 'Green City' by the global Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) network. This significant achievement was announced by Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, alongside South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Gimar Deeb. The designation marks the culmination of Sharm El Sheikh's extensive journey towards environmental sustainability, which gained momentum after Egypt hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2018 and was solidified by the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in 2022. Guided by presidential directives, approximately 39 projects transformed the city into a comprehensive green model. Key initiatives contributing to this status include substantial investments (LE800 million) in renewable energy (51 megawatts, solar installations across hotels and remote areas), the establishment of 145 km of cycling paths and sustainable transport, and robust solid waste management systems that engage the local community, including converting used cooking oil into biodiesel. The city also focuses on water desalination in Nabq Protectorate and biodiversity preservation, including coral reef monitoring. Though Sharm El Sheikh is the inaugural Egyptian city to join the ICLEI, El-Kharga City's prior designation as a green city by the Arab League highlights Egypt's expansive dedication to sustainable development. Governor Fouda emphasized that COP27 was a critical turning point, solidifying Sharm El Sheikh's identity as a green tourism destination. The 'Green Sharm' project specifically targets energy, waste, transport, water, and biodiversity, including a ban on single-use plastics in 50 hotels by 2025/2026. This comprehensive strategy, supported by over $19.7 million in funding, aims to make Sharm El Sheikh a global model for sustainable tourism, promoting a healthy environment, a promising economy, and a responsible community. The Green Sharm Project Manager and the UNDP representative both lauded Sharm El Sheikh's inclusion, emphasizing it as a clear demonstration of Egypt's dedication to green transformation and its positive impact on the city's tourism appeal in addition to its role as a global symbol post-COP27.
