Egypt's Environment Minister Bans Tree Cutting Across Governorates to Protect Green Spaces

Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad has issued a strict directive to all governorates to preserve and sustain trees nationwide, while continuously monitoring the implementation of the presidential initiative to plant 100 million trees.

In an official periodical, the minister underscored the vital importance of protecting existing greenery and expanding tree-planting efforts due to their significant positive impact on the environment and climate. Local authorities—including the heads of centers, cities, districts, and villages—have been instructed to crack down on any violations, such as damaging, cutting down, or uprooting trees in streets, squares, parks, and public markets, in accordance with Article 162 of the Penal Code.

Awad stressed that no tree removal or uprooting is permitted, nor can third parties be granted permission to do so, without explicit approval from the governor and the consultation of the Environmental Affairs Agency, as mandated by Environmental Law No. 4 of 1994 and its executive regulations.

Furthermore, regarding the ongoing 100 million trees initiative, the minister directed heads of governorate subcommittees to urgently submit updated member lists, activity reports, and a three-month work plan to the ministry's central committee—established under Ministerial Decree No. 524 of 2025—within one week.