Minister of Local Development announces start of supply and planting of 1,000 trees in Port Said, directs expansion of greening in schools, roads, and main axes

Cairo - Ahmed Sabri: Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, announced the commencement of the supply and planting of trees for the fifth phase of the Presidential Initiative “Planting 100 Million Trees” in Port Said Governorate. One thousand trees, including species of Poinciana and Jacaranda, have been supplied, with a focus on major roads, key axes, and schools, contributing to enhancing green cover and improving the environment surrounding citizens.

In this context, the Minister of Environment received a report from Dr. Said Abdel Khalek, Head of the Planning and Integrated Local Development Sector at the Ministry, regarding the plan to begin supply and planting in Port Said Governorate. This effort is coordinated with the Central Committee of the Initiative at the Ministry of Local Development and Environment, as well as the governorate’s sub-committee, which covers several major roads, key axes, and various neighborhoods. Additionally, schools such as the Canal Girls Preparatory School, Ali Mubarak Primary School, and El Deen Girls Secondary School are being planted with Poinciana trees, while other targeted sites will feature both Poinciana and Jacaranda species, in accordance with the implementation plan.

The Minister of Local Development and Environment emphasized the importance of continuing the implementation of the Presidential Initiative and expanding tree planting in schools, roads, and key axes across various governorates. She stressed the need to monitor planted trees and ensure their preservation, thereby delivering tangible benefits to citizens and improving their surrounding environment.

She added that maintaining planted trees requires cooperation among executive agencies and all segments of society. She noted that care, irrigation, and follow-up are essential elements for the success of greening efforts and the sustainability of green spaces, which in turn support improved quality of life and enhance environmental awareness among students and new generations.

The Minister also directed that priority be given to the tagging of newly planted trees to ensure their sustainability and preservation. She emphasized the necessity of selecting appropriate sites for planting, coordinating among executive agencies in governorates to ensure planting is carried out according to specified standards, and providing necessary care to guarantee their survival and maximize their benefits.

The report received by the Minister of Local Development and Environment indicated that the governorate is monitoring the inspection and receipt of trees delivered to the General Secretariat, reviewing their types and quality, and beginning planting with an expanded focus on greening schools and main roads. This aims to improve the environment around students and citizens, elevate the urban and aesthetic appearance of streets, and increase green spaces in residential and service areas. The report stressed that achieving sustainable environmental impact depends on monitoring and caring for trees after planting, not merely on increasing the number of trees supplied and planted.

For his part, Abdel Khalek highlighted the importance of coordinating with the governorate’s executive agencies and relevant authorities to implement greening works at targeted sites. He stressed the need to consider the suitability of tree species to the nature of sites and environmental conditions, as well as monitoring their irrigation and care needs, to support their continued growth and ensure long-term benefits.