Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli led a delegation to inspect several ongoing agriculture and tree-planting projects in Cairo. The visit was part of the government's efforts to follow up on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives to implement a comprehensive project to green various governorates. The project involves utilizing vacant and underutilized lands to create gardens and green spaces, enhancing urban environments and city aesthetics.
During the visit, Madbouli emphasized the government's commitment to executing the president's directives, focusing on expanding green spaces and tree planting along main roads, central islands, and city entrances. This initiative aims to increase per capita green space and improve quality of life. He was accompanied by Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad and Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber.
The Prime Minister inspected tree-planting efforts under the 10th of Ramadan Bridge (formerly known as Ibrahim El-Arabi Bridge) and in the area around the Prophet's Mosque. He stressed the importance of continuing the environmental project across various governorates. The governor of Cairo explained that the project involves collaboration between three parties: the local authorities, environmental associations, and citizens.
Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber detailed the governorate's plan, which operates on two parallel tracks: raising awareness about the importance of tree planting and conservation, and intensifying tree planting, especially along main roads and suitable areas. The governorate has started implementing the "Green Cairo" project based on scientific foundations, consulting with specialized advisory offices to select suitable tree species.
The governor highlighted that the chosen trees and plants are subject to specific criteria, including rapid growth, ability to provide shade, tolerance to climate conditions, and compatibility with sustainable irrigation methods. Examples of the selected species include acacia, nedoza, kaya, camel thorn, ponciana, and jacaranda. The goal is to ensure the conservation of greenery and rationalize water consumption.
According to the governor, over 3,000 trees and 700,000 shrubs and plants have been planted so far. The governorate aims to plant 1 million trees within a year, including 60,000 trees and 800,000 shrubs and plants. Each district will have a unique plant identity based on its characteristics. The initiative seeks to engage citizens in protecting and preserving trees as a shared responsibility.
Prime Minister Madbouli concluded the visit by emphasizing the significance of collective involvement in safeguarding trees and green spaces. He urged continued efforts in this large-scale environmental project, aiming to expand it across the Greater Cairo region. The project aligns with the government's efforts to enhance urban environments and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The Egyptian government aims to plant 1 million trees in Cairo within a year as part of the "Green Cairo" project.
- The project involves collaboration between local authorities, environmental associations, and citizens to enhance urban environments.
- The initiative focuses on selecting suitable tree species that provide shade, tolerate climate conditions, and conserve water.
