IFLA AFRICA newsletter for this month, and the article “THE VANISHING GREEN: Egypt’s SHRINKING FORESTS AND THE URGENT NEED FOR ACTION.” written by board member Rasha Sayed. Red the link here. Or read the article below:

Egypt, a land once renowned for its lush, verdant landscapes, is now facing a troubling reality – its green cover and tree canopy are rapidly diminishing. This alarming trend has significant implications for the country’s environmental well-being, economic stability, and ability to combat the growing threat of climate change.

According to recent studies, Egypt’s forest cover has decreased by nearly 12% over the past decade, with the most dramatic losses occurring in the Nile Delta region. This decline is primarily driven by urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. As the country’s population grows, the pressure on land and natural ecosystems has intensified, leading to the systematic destruction of valuable green spaces.

Tree cutting in the streets of Egypt, particularly in Cairo and Giza, has been a persistent issue since 2014, often justified by the need for road expansion and urban development. However, recent weeks have witnessed an alarming increase in tree removal activities, occurring without clear explanations from the responsible authorities regarding the rationale behind the cuts or the final disposition of the wood. This surge in tree-cutting coincides with a severe heatwave, during which temperatures in shaded areas have soared beyond 45 degrees Celsius. The ongoing removal of trees has resulted in diminished shaded spaces, exacerbating the impact of the extreme heat on residents. 

FIG. 1. The importance of trees and green spaces in our lives. Source: United Nations Development Program, UNDP. Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities: The Power of Nature-Based Solutions.

Fig. 2 on the right neighborhood in MSR EL GEDEDA – CAIRO 2019 AND ON THE LEFT SAME PLACE ON 2020.
في اليوم العالمي للبيئة “مناخ.. للدراسات البيئية” يصدر ورقة بحثية “أثر قطع الأشجار وانعكاسها على البيئة المصرية” – مبادرة مناخ (munakh.org)

According to data from Global Forest Watch, Egypt has lost approximately 5.06 million square metres of green spaces and tree cover between 2013 and 2023. This loss represents a 0.33% decline in overall tree cover since 2000, equating to 121 kilotons of carbon dioxide emissions. The primary drivers of this decline include urban development, desertification, and the conversion of green spaces for industrial and commercial purposes. From 2013 to 2023, urban development alone accounted for the removal of around 1.06 million square metres of trees and green areas—approximately 33% of the total loss during this period. This trend raises significant environmental concerns, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable urban planning that prioritizes the preservation of green spaces.

The consequences of this vanishing green cover are far-reaching. The loss of trees and vegetation reduces the country’s ability to sequester carbon dioxide, a key driver of global warming, and disrupts the delicate balance of local ecosystems. This, in turn, threatens the diverse array of plant and animal species that call these habitats home, further contributing to the erosion of Egypt’s natural heritage.

FIG. 3. A Visual Representation of the Reasons for the Loss of Tree Cover and Green Spaces from 2001 to 2023. Egypt’s War on Trees: The Hidden Costs of Urban Expansion – زاوية ثالثة (zawia3.com)

Moreover, the decline in green cover directly impacts the country’s economic prospects. Trees and forests play a crucial role in the green economy, providing valuable resources, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and contributing to the development of eco-tourism. As these natural assets disappear, Egypt’s ability to diversify its economic base and transition towards a more environmentally friendly future is severely hindered.

To address this pressing issue, the Egyptian government has implemented various initiatives aimed at reversing the trend of deforestation and promoting sustainable land-use practices. These efforts include the establishment of new protected areas, the implementation of reforestation programs, and the introduction of incentives for individuals and communities to engage in tree-planting activities. However, the scale and urgency of the problem require a more comprehensive and collaborative approach. Engaging with local communities, empowering them to become stewards of their natural resources, and fostering partnerships with international organizations and the private sector will be crucial in developing a robust and sustainable strategy to restore Egypt’s green cover. Time is of the essence. As the world grapples with the far-reaching effects of climate change, Egypt’s ability to adapt and mitigate its impact will largely depend on its capacity to protect and enhance its natural assets. By prioritising the preservation and restoration of its green cover, Egypt can not only safeguard its environmental legacy but also position itself as a leader in the global transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future. 

FIG.4. Per capita share of trees. NATURE MAGAZINE

Key Policy Changes and Government Initiatives to Reverse the Decline of Egypt’s Green Cover
Addressing the decline in Egypt’s green cover requires a multifaceted approach that combines effective policies, community engagement, and sustainable practices. Here are several key initiatives the government could undertake:
Comprehensive Land-Use Planning
The Egyptian government should establish a robust land-use planning framework that prioritizes the preservation of existing green spaces and forests. This would involve designating additional protected areas, enforcing stricter regulations against land conversion, and incentivising sustainable land-use practices. By creating a clear plan that integrates environmental considerations into land development, the government can better protect vital ecosystems.
Reforestation and Afforestation Programs
Scaling up reforestation and afforestation efforts is crucial. The government should focus on restoring degraded lands and creating new forests, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. This could include providing subsidies and technical assistance to individuals, communities, and organisations to promote tree-planting initiatives. Such programs not only increase green cover but also enhance urban resilience to climate change.

 FIG.5 Reforestation and Afforestation: A Dual Strategy for India Is Reforestation or Afforestation Better for India? (nelda.org.in)

Sustainable Urban Development
As urbanisation continues, the government must ensure that new developments incorporate green infrastructure such as urban forests, parks, and green corridors. These features can mitigate the adverse effects of urban growth on natural ecosystems, improve air quality, and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Strengthening Environmental Regulations and Enforcement
A review and enhancement of environmental laws and regulations are necessary to better protect forests and natural resources. This may include imposing stricter penalties for illegal logging, land encroachment, and other activities contributing to deforestation. By ensuring compliance and accountability, the government can deter harmful practices.

Incentivising Private Sector Engagement
The government should create financial and regulatory incentives to encourage private sector involvement in sustainable forestry and green economy initiatives. Potential incentives could include tax breaks, subsidies, or preferential access to land for eco-friendly projects. Engaging the private sector can foster innovation and investment in sustainable practices.

Promoting Agroforestry and Sustainable Agriculture
Investing in research and extension services will help farmers integrate trees and other vegetation into their agricultural practices. This approach, known as agroforestry, can enhance productivity, improve soil health, and contribute to increasing Egypt’s overall green cover. Education and support for farmers are essential for successfully implementing these practices.

Investing in Capacity Building and Public Awareness
The government should allocate resources to educate local communities, policymakers, and the general public about the importance of preserving and restoring Egypt’s green cover. This can be achieved through training programs, public awareness campaigns, and educational curricula that highlight the benefits of sustainable practices.

International Cooperation and Access to Climate Finance
Actively seeking international partnerships and leveraging climate finance mechanisms is crucial for supporting Egypt’s efforts to combat deforestation and promote sustainable land-use practices. Collaboration with development agencies, multilateral organisations, and private investors can provide essential resources and expertise.
By implementing a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach that addresses the underlying drivers of deforestation, the Egyptian government can take significant steps toward reversing the alarming decline in its green cover. This will not only enhance environmental sustainability but also promote a more resilient and sustainable development pathway for the country. To effectively enforce stricter environmental regulations, several specific measures can be implemented:

Enhanced Monitoring and Surveillance
By the use of technology that employs satellite imagery, drones, and remote sensing technologies to monitor deforestation, illegal logging, and land use changes in real time. Also, Data Management Systems will help to develop centralised databases to track environmental violations and management of natural resources.

Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks
Clear legislation will ensure that environmental laws are clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date to address current challenges. In addition to Standard Operating Procedures that create detailed procedures for enforcement agencies to follow when investigating and responding to violations.

Capacity Building for Enforcement Agencies
Training programs will provide regular training for environmental inspectors and enforcement officers on the latest regulations, investigative techniques, and technologies. also, resource allocation will ensure that enforcement agencies are adequately funded and equipped with the necessary tools and personnel.

Public Participation and Reporting Mechanisms
Community engagement is crucial to encourage local communities to participate in monitoring activities and reporting violations. In addition, establish hotlines or apps for easy reporting of environmental infractions. Also, awareness campaigns will help in educating the public about environmental laws and the importance of compliance, fostering a culture of accountability.

Stricter Penalties and Incentives
Harsher penalties that implement significant fines and penalties for violators to deter illegal activities. Also, incentives for compliance which offers incentives, such as tax breaks or grants, for businesses and individuals that adhere to environmental regulations.

Regular Audits and Assessments
Conduct environmental audits and regularly assess compliance of industries and land-use practices with environmental regulations, identifying areas for improvement. Also, conduct impact assessments and require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for proposed projects to evaluate potential effects on ecosystems and communities.

Interagency Collaboration
Cross-agency coordination, foster collaboration among various government agencies (e.g., forestry, wildlife, agriculture) to share information and resources for effective enforcement.
Joint Task Forces: Establish task forces that include law enforcement and environmental specialists to tackle serious violations.

International Cooperation and Best Practices
Learning from others: collaborate with international organisations and other countries to adopt best practices in environmental enforcement.
Access to expertise: seek technical assistance and funding from international environmental bodies to enhance local enforcement capacities.

FIG. 6 SEKEM initiative 2016, one of the initiations integrate public participation into their framework for agriculture and transform desert into green in a sustainable collaborative frameworks.

By implementing these measures, governments can establish a more robust framework for enforcing environmental regulations, ultimately leading to enhanced protection of natural resources and ecosystems. The relationship between key policy changes and government initiatives and environmental regulation measures is interconnected, necessitating collaboration among government sectors, stakeholders, and public participation. This integrated approach will create a cohesive strategy aimed at fostering a healthier environment that is greener and more resilient.

FIG.7. Relation between key policy changes and governmental initiatives, and environmental regulation measures. Source: Rasha Sayed.