Tunisia's Environment Minister Habib Obaid has launched a nationwide tree planting program aimed at growing 12,000 trees across the country. The program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, the Scouts of Tunisia, and the General Directorate of Forests. As part of the initiative, 500 trees will be planted by each scout group in various governorates. The program is one of three major national initiatives launched by the Ministry as part of its environmental strategy.
The tree planting program is designed to enhance green spaces, achieve food security, and combat soil erosion. In addition to tree planting, the program includes the rehabilitation of green spaces and children's parks. The minister announced the launch of a children's park in Borj El Amri, which will provide a healthy recreational space for young people and families. The park is being developed with an initial investment of 75,000 dinars from the Ministry of Environment.
The tree planting program follows the launch of a green belt project along highways, which began last year in Mahdia and will continue this year in Borj El Amri. The project aims to expand green belts along major road networks. The minister stated that the Tree Day celebration is an opportunity to express national pride and love for the country through tree planting and protection.
The minister visited the governorate of Manouba, where he was briefed on the 110 hectares allocated for the current tree planting program, which will feature over 125,000 seedlings. The seedlings include acacia, ornamental plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, and pine trees. The minister was accompanied by the governor of Manouba and other officials.
The General Directorate of Forests has identified several sites in Manouba for tree planting, including Qafaya, Khazem, and Ain Es-Sid. The directorate aims to achieve a high success rate in tree planting, with a 38% success rate recorded last year. The governorate of Manouba has a total of 12,810 hectares of forest land, representing 11.27% of its total area.
The governorate relies on two nurseries to produce 55,000 seedlings per year. However, the nurseries face challenges due to limited human resources, with only 22 forest officials available. The Tree Day celebrations in Manouba feature various activities, including scouting events, a mobile environmental exhibition, and a theatrical performance.
The tree planting program is part of a broader effort to promote environmental protection and sustainable development in Tunisia. The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation. The celebrations in Manouba were attended by various officials and organizations, including the Scouts of Tunisia and the Red Crescent.
Key points
- The program aims to plant 12,000 trees across Tunisia.
- The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, the Scouts of Tunisia, and the General Directorate of Forests.
- The program includes the rehabilitation of green spaces and children's parks.
