In a recent move, Egypt's government has started taking action against individuals cutting down trees in various provinces. This development comes after years of criticism against state authorities for removing trees to make way for road projects and other urban development initiatives. The government's new stance follows presidential directives to adopt a project aimed at "greening" Cairo, which involves converting any cleared area into green spaces.
The government's environmental agency in Alaqsar recently apprehended a citizen for cutting down a 15-year-old Kaya tree from a public road, in violation of the law. Similarly, in Asyut, a group of individuals was caught cutting down mature trees in front of a youth center, sparking outrage among locals due to the continued phenomenon of cutting down mature trees in the region. These actions were in defiance of the environmental significance of these trees that have characterized the streets and villages of the area for years.
In Dakahlia, authorities intercepted a vehicle loaded with a mature Kafor tree, leading to the detention of the driver and the confiscation of the tree. These actions demonstrate the government's resolve to protect mature trees and pursue those responsible for their destruction. This move comes after a lawyer, Asaad Hikal, filed a complaint with the Attorney General two weeks ago, demanding an investigation into what he described as the "systematic cutting down of mature and historical trees" in several provinces.
Hikal's complaint, registered under number 1920959/2026, named several areas where trees were allegedly cut down, including Cairo's Garden of the Nile and the Cairo Tower, as well as locations in the provinces of Giza, Alaqsar, and Asyut. The complainant requested that the authorities investigate the fate of the wood from the felled trees and the entities or individuals benefiting from it. This action reflects growing concerns over the large-scale destruction of trees and potential misuse of public resources.
According to a study monitoring changes in Cairo's green cover between 2017 and 2020, the city lost over 910,000 square meters of green space, representing about 11.6% of its total green area in 2017. This loss coincided with the expansion of road projects and urban development. The situation has prompted renewed attention to environmental conservation and the protection of green spaces in Egypt.
The Ministry of Local Development has given officials in cities, towns, and districts until the end of October to address illegal construction and other spatial violations. This includes taking legal action against violators, such as immediate demolition and referral of offenders to military prosecution if they have encroached on agricultural land. The move aims to enforce regulations and curb unauthorized construction activities.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway regarding amendments to the law on reconciliation for construction violations, with the aim of simplifying procedures and providing more facilitations for citizens. The government's efforts to balance regulatory enforcement with citizen engagement and support reflect ongoing challenges in managing urban development and environmental conservation in Egypt.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has initiated a crackdown on tree cutting across several provinces.
- The move follows years of criticism against state authorities for removing trees for urban development projects.
- Over 910,000 square meters of green space were lost in Cairo between 2017 and 2020.
