PM reaffirms work to expand urban green spaces across Egypt

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly affirmed that work is continuing to implement President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s directives to adopt an integrated project to “green” various governorates by utilizing vacant and unused land and spaces after clearing them and converting them into gardens and green areas, with the aim of improving the urban environment and the aesthetic appearance of cities. Madbouly made the remarks on Sunday, September 27, 2026, while inspecting agricultural and afforestation projects in Cairo Governorate, accompanied by Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad and Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber. “We are following up on the executive mechanisms to expand tree cover and green spaces along all major roads and corridors, medians and entrances to governorate centers and cities, in a way that increases the per capita share of green spaces and improves quality of life,” Madbouly said. For her part, Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad affirmed that the Ministry continues to support governorates’ efforts to implement the political leadership’s directives and the prime minister’s assignments to expand afforestation activities and increase green spaces, while preserving existing trees and improving open areas, medians, corridors and roads, in line with the state’s efforts to enhance the urban environment. Madbouly’s tour included an inspection of afforestation works beneath the Ibrahim El-Orabi Bridge, formerly known as the Tenth Bridge, in Cairo. During the tour, Madbouly heard a detailed briefing from Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber on the governorate’s executive plan to implement the president’s directives to “green Cairo.” The Cairo governor said the governorate’s plan is proceeding along two parallel tracks: raising awareness of the importance of afforestation and preserving green areas, and intensifying tree planting, particularly along major roads, streets and areas suitable for cultivation. He noted that the governorate has begun implementing the “Greening Cairo” plan on a scientific basis by engaging a consultancy specialized in afforestation to select tree species suited to Egypt’s environment, with a focus on shade-providing trees that require relatively little water. He added that clear criteria were taken into account when selecting the trees and plants used under the initiative, including rapid growth, adequate shade, resilience to climatic conditions and compatibility with sustainable irrigation methods, ensuring the preservation of vegetation while rationalizing water consumption. The selected species include acacia, neem, khaya, elephant’s foot, poinciana, golden shower tree and jacaranda. Saber said the plan developed by the consultancy has already begun to be implemented, with more than 3,000 trees and nearly 700,000 shrubs and plants planted along a number of major roads and corridors and on vacant land.