Tunisia Launches Tree Planting Program with Scout Association

Tunisia's Environment Minister Habib Obaid has launched a tree planting program in collaboration with the Tunisian Scout Association and the General Directorate of Forests. The program aims to plant 12,000 trees across various regions of the country, with 500 trees per scout group. This initiative is part of the ministry's environmental strategy to promote green spaces and achieve food security.

The tree planting program is one of three major national programs launched by the Environment Ministry, covering all governorates. The goal is to enhance green spaces, achieve food security, and combat soil erosion. The program also includes the rehabilitation of green spaces and children's parks. A children's park project in Borj El Amri has been initiated with an initial funding of 75,000 dinars from the Environment Ministry.

The minister highlighted the continuation of the "Tunisia for Roads" project, which involves creating a green belt along highways. The project started last year in Mahdia and will extend to Borj El Amri this year. This initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to expand green belts around major road networks. The minister emphasized that the National Tree Day celebration represents a national opportunity to express patriotism through tree planting and protection.

During the celebration in Manouba, the minister was briefed on the total area allocated for the tree planting program in the 2026-2027 season, which is 110 hectares. Over 125,000 seedlings have been allocated, including 49,000 Acacia cyanophylla seedlings, as well as ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plants. The seedlings also include pine, cypress, and carob trees.

The General Directorate of Forests' Director, Karim Saad, presented a list of main sites programmed for tree planting in Manouba. These sites include Qafaya, Khazem, Al-Arusia, and Ain Al-Sayyid. The director noted that the overall success rate for the previous tree planting season was 38%, with municipalities recording the highest success rate.

The total forested area in Manouba is 12,810 hectares, representing 11.27% of the governorate's total area. The governorate relies on two forest nurseries, producing 55,000 seedlings annually. However, challenges persist in meeting the requirements of tree planting programs and reforestation of areas damaged by fires.

The celebration included various activities, such as scouting events, a mobile environmental exhibition, and performances by the Tunisian Scout Association and the Red Crescent. These events were part of the "Eco-Culture" festival, held under the slogan "We protect it... We live in it."

Key points

• The program aims to plant 12,000 trees across Tunisia.
• The initiative is part of the Environment Ministry's strategy to promote green spaces.
• The project also includes the rehabilitation of green spaces and children's parks.