Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development has announced the successful planting of 7.7 million trees across the country. The ministry, in collaboration with various governorates, invested a total of 200 million Egyptian pounds in this initiative. These efforts align with the state’s commitment to tackle climate change, adapt to its impacts, reduce emissions, and improve air quality.
The tree-planting campaign is part of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s directives to establish numerous projects and initiatives promoting green transformation across all economic and social sectors. This aligns with Egypt’s National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which aims to establish an integrated and sustainable environmental framework.
Hisham Amin, the Minister of Local Development, highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts, initiatives, and projects since President el-Sisi assumed office until June 30, 2023. The review coincided with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the June 30 revolution, emphasizing the adoption of projects that contribute to combating climate change, restoring environmental balance, and controlling carbon emissions and global warming.
Amin outlined various key areas of focus in this vital field. These include implementing the second phase of the new municipal solid waste management system, the Presidential Initiative for Planting 100 Million Trees, utilizing electric buses in the transportation system, and replacing buses with natural gas-powered ones in Cairo and Alexandria. Additionally, the ministry continues to monitor the Smart Green Projects initiative for 2022.
Amin stated, “The second phase of the new municipal solid waste management system includes contracts for waste collection, transportation, street cleaning, treatment, and disposal. We are coordinating with the Ministry of Environment to discuss the operation of new recycling plants and increasing the use of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) without imposing any financial burden on the state.” He also mentioned ongoing studies to explore the possibility of provincial operation of a number of completed sanitary landfills.
Furthermore, the ministry has implemented several measures throughout the year to improve the environment. These include the procurement and installation of 38 crushers for cost-effective management of construction and demolition waste, estimated at around 520 million Egyptian pounds. The ministry also purchased 500,000 energy-saving lamps for approximately 650 million Egyptian pounds and acquired 1,056 new machines, including loaders, dump trucks, excavators, compactor trucks, hook lifters, and graders, to support the new cleanliness system. Additionally, efforts are underway to clear historical accumulations of approximately 2.3 million tons of waste at an estimated cost of 360 million Egyptian pounds.
In conclusion, Egypt’s ambitious tree-planting campaign and comprehensive environmental initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to combat climate change, enhance sustainability, and promote green development. The concerted efforts across various sectors underscore Egypt’s determination to create a resilient and eco-friendly future.
