Egypt plants millions of trees to combat climate change

CAIRO - 23 September 2024: The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation continues to advance the "100 Million Trees" presidential initiative launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The initiative has so far covered 13 governorates in its first and second phases, as part of Egypt’s efforts to combat climate change and desertification. It also aims to increase local wood production, reduce import costs, and offer multiple environmental, aesthetic, and economic benefits.

The initiative focuses on planting trees along roads, in central islands, desert backdrops, government facilities (schools, universities, youth centers), as well as city entrances, villages, major squares, and industrial areas.

A Ministry of Agriculture report revealed that the first phase has been fully completed, with tree deliveries to seven targeted governorates: Qalyubia, Gharbia, Beni Suef, Minya, Fayoum, Assiut, and New Valley. A total of 1.3 million trees were planted, including 17 types of wood and fruit trees such as eucalyptus, paulownia, poplar, mahogany, acacia, conocarpus, tecoma, and olive.

The second phase of the initiative is nearing completion, with 995,000 trees being supplied to governorates including Cairo, Menoufia, South Sinai, Port Said, New Valley, and the Red Sea. Additionally, trees are being provided to health facilities under the Ministry of Health across all governorates. This phase includes 18 types of trees such as lemon, olive, acacia, mango, fig, and mulberry.

The report also highlighted the planting of 800,000 trees in forested areas. The inclusion of health facilities in the initiative aims to increase green spaces around medical centers, which is expected to have positive environmental impacts. The Ministry of Local Development and governorates are working together to identify suitable planting sites to ensure the initiative's sustainability.

The initiative seeks to double the per capita share of green spaces nationwide, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maximize the economic benefits of trees. It also aims to enhance public health and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

This presidential initiative is receiving significant support from the Egyptian government due to its numerous environmental, aesthetic, and economic advantages. Planting the right trees in suitable locations will enhance the initiative's role in reducing the negative effects of climate change.