Cairo plans to plant 60,000 trees this year under a citywide greening initiative, Governor Ibrahim Saber said. The initiative aims to increase green spaces in the city and improve the environment. Species selected for each district will be based on shade, climate suitability, and irrigation needs. This effort is part of a broader plan to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Mahmoud Abu Beyeh, head of Cairo’s General Authority for Cleaning, Beautification and Lighting, provided an update on the progress so far. He stated that 2,800 trees and nearly 600,000 shrubs and other plants had been planted. The governorate aims to plant 800,000 shrubs and other plants this year, with a longer-term target of one million plants. These numbers indicate a significant push towards achieving the governor's vision for a greener Cairo.
Governor Saber outlined the plan at a meeting of Cairo’s executive council. He emphasized that the initiative would bring together governorate agencies, civil society organizations, businesses, and residents. The governorate will offer trees at reduced prices and encourage residents and shopkeepers to plant them outside their buildings. This collaborative approach is expected to foster a sense of community ownership and responsibility for the city's green spaces.
The proposed trees include acacias, khaya, orchid trees, royal poinciana, golden shower trees, and jacarandas. Governor Saber specified that the governorate would favour fast-growing trees that provide shade, tolerate local conditions, and can be maintained with sustainable irrigation. This selection process ensures that the trees will thrive in Cairo's climate and require minimal maintenance.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly directed the project’s start earlier this month, including planting along the Ring Road and identifying vacant state-owned land that could become green space. He also called for treated wastewater to be used for irrigation where possible and ordered governors to enforce restrictions on tree felling. These directives demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting the greening initiative and ensuring its success.
The planting drive comes amid renewed concern over tree removal during road works. The housing ministry has also ordered new-city authorities to protect existing trees and maintain irrigation networks. This move addresses the issue of tree loss and ensures that the efforts to increase green spaces are not undermined by other development projects.
Some experts, such as Cairo University professor Nabil Al-Hady, have argued that species and water use should be considered alongside planting totals when assessing such plans. This perspective highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to urban greening, one that balances the need for more green spaces with the need for sustainable practices.
Key points
- Cairo aims to plant 60,000 trees this year as part of a citywide greening initiative.
- The initiative aims to increase green spaces in the city and improve the environment.
- The governorate will offer trees at reduced prices and encourage residents and shopkeepers to plant them outside their buildings.
