Egypt bans tree cutting without ministerial approval

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has issued directives to strictly prohibit the cutting of trees across the country. Under these new instructions, any removal of trees must be cleared by both the Ministry of Local Development and the Ministry of Environment. This move follows presidential mandates aimed at 'greening' governorates and expanding green spaces.

To support this initiative, the government plans to implement afforestation projects along main roads, city entrances, and villages, utilizing treated water for irrigation. Experts have noted that the ban addresses public concerns regarding recent widespread tree removal and aims to mitigate heat effects and pollution.

Legal protections are reinforced by the Water Resources and Irrigation Law. Specifically, Article 120 stipulates that unauthorized cutting or uprooting of trees and palms on public lands related to water resources carries fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 Egyptian pounds per tree. Furthermore, Article 9 requires official permits from the competent administration before any disposal of such vegetation is permitted.