Tunisia's President Saïed Celebrates National Tree Day in Siliana

On Sunday, President Kaïs Saïed traveled to the governorate of Siliana to celebrate National Tree Day, which this year carries the slogan "One tree today, a forest tomorrow." During his visit, he went to the locality of Aïn Ennachem, part of the municipality of Aïn Boussadia, in the delegation of Bargou. There, he took part in a tree-planting operation, engaging with the local community.

The visit allowed President Saïed to listen to the concerns of the inhabitants, particularly regarding development and living conditions. Key issues raised included the damage caused by recent forest fires in Jebel Bargou and problems with the supply of potable water. The President acknowledged these challenges, showing his commitment to addressing them.

President Saïed also highlighted the historical significance of Jebel Bargou, which was the site of national resistance battles against French colonization from November 8 to 13, 1954. These battles are known as the "Battle of the Last Quarter Hour." Recognizing the region's history and its people's struggles adds depth to the context of the visit.

The Siliana region suffered significantly from several forest fires at the end of August and the beginning of September 2026. According to data from the Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development in Siliana, these fires destroyed over 2,000 hectares of vegetation, mainly Aleppo pine and olive groves, fortunately without causing any casualties.

During his visit, President Saïed's participation in the tree-planting event symbolized a step towards environmental recovery and sustainability. By engaging in such activities, the government aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources and combating the effects of climate change.

National Tree Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role trees play in ecosystems, including carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and supporting biodiversity. President Saïed's initiative in Siliana underscores the government's commitment to environmental conservation and community development.

The event concluded with President Saïed reaffirming his administration's dedication to tackling the challenges faced by the region, including environmental conservation and improving living conditions for its residents. The visit demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing local concerns and promoting sustainable development.

Key points

• President Kaïs Saïed celebrated National Tree Day with a tree-planting event in Siliana.
• The region of Siliana has been affected by forest fires, with over 2,000 hectares of vegetation destroyed.
• The President's visit highlighted the historical significance of Jebel Bargou and the government's commitment to environmental conservation and community development.