On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inspected agricultural and afforestation projects in Cairo Governorate, accompanied by Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad and Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber. During the inspection, Madbouly emphasized the government's efforts to implement President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's directives to adopt an integrated project to "green" various governorates. The project aims to utilize vacant and unused land and spaces, clearing and converting them into gardens and green areas to improve the urban environment and aesthetic appearance of cities.
Madbouly highlighted the importance of expanding tree cover and green spaces along major roads and corridors, medians, and entrances to governorate centers and cities. This, he said, would increase the per capita share of green spaces and improve the quality of life. The Prime Minister's remarks underscore the government's commitment to enhancing the urban environment and promoting sustainable development. By investing in green spaces, the government aims to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a healthier environment for citizens.
Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad echoed Madbouly's sentiments, affirming the Ministry's continued support for governorates' efforts to implement the political leadership's directives. Awad emphasized the importance of preserving existing trees and improving open areas, medians, corridors, and roads. The Ministry's efforts are aligned with the state's objectives to enhance the urban environment and promote sustainable development. By working together with governorates, the Ministry aims to create a more livable and sustainable environment for Egyptians.
During his tour, Madbouly inspected afforestation works beneath the Ibrahim El-Orabi Bridge, formerly known as the Tenth Bridge, in Cairo. Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber provided a detailed briefing on the governorate's executive plan to implement the president's directives to "green Cairo." The governorate's plan is proceeding along two parallel tracks: raising awareness of the importance of afforestation and preserving green areas, and intensifying tree planting, particularly along major roads, streets, and areas suitable for cultivation.
Governor Saber noted that the governorate has engaged a consultancy specialized in afforestation to select tree species suited to Egypt's environment. The consultancy has chosen species that provide shade, require relatively little water, and are resilient to climatic conditions. The selected species include acacia, neem, khaya, elephant's foot, poinciana, golden shower tree, and jacaranda. These species are well-suited to Egypt's climate and will help to create a sustainable and green environment.
According to Governor Saber, the plan developed by the consultancy has already begun to be implemented, with over 3,000 trees and nearly 700,000 shrubs and plants planted along major roads and corridors and on vacant land. The governorate's efforts aim to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban environment. By investing in green spaces, the governorate hopes to improve the quality of life for its citizens and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The government's commitment to expanding urban green spaces is a key aspect of its efforts to promote sustainable development and enhance the urban environment. By working together with governorates and engaging specialized consultancies, the government aims to create a more livable and sustainable environment for Egyptians. The implementation of the "Greening Cairo" plan and similar initiatives across the country will help to improve the quality of life and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has committed to expanding urban green spaces across the country, with a focus on utilizing vacant and unused land and spaces.
- The government has engaged specialized consultancies to select tree species suited to Egypt's environment, with a focus on shade-providing trees that require relatively little water.
- Over 3,000 trees and nearly 700,000 shrubs and plants have been planted in Cairo as part of the "Greening Cairo" plan.
