Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad emphasized the importance of finding effective ways to prevent deforestation and speed up the implementation of the “100 Million Trees” initiative. The ministry is actively working to expand green areas in schools, youth centers, and roads.
The minister made these comments during a National Dialogue session entitled “The 100 Million Trees initiative: a shared responsibility,” during which proposals to increase green areas throughout the country were discussed, according to Egyptian Gazette.
The session was jointly organized by the Environment Ministry, the Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE), and the Egyptian Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF).
The goal of the session was to develop recommendations that would prohibit and criminalize the cutting down of trees without legal justification. As announced by the head of the office, the AOYE plans to plant 25,000 trees provided by the Ministry of Environment between July and December 2024.
The 100 Million Trees initiative is a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit of three governmental entities: the Ministry of Local Development, the Ministry of Environment, and the New Urban Communities Authority. This joint effort underscores our shared commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, aligning with the objectives of the 2022 UN Climate Change Summit, COP27, held in Egypt’s Red Sea city of Sharm El Sheikh.
The initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about enhancing our environment and our health. It aims to increase access to green spaces nationwide, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases, and ultimately enhance public health.
The initiative further plans to establish a total of 6,600 acres of new forests and public parks in 9,900 locations across Egypt, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities and a healthier living environment. The implementation period spans seven years, concluding in 2029.
