Recent presidential directives regarding the “greening of Cairo” and the restoration of historical and heritage sites have drawn strong praise from media figure Lamis El-Hadidi, who emphasized that transforming cleared spaces into green areas directly answers public demands.
Presidential Directives and Public Demands on Urban Greenery
According to El-Hadidi, speaking on her program “الصورة” broadcast on the Al-Nahar channel, the explicit directive from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to prioritize green spaces reflects a clear response to street concerns and citizen demands. She noted that genuine focus on Egypt relies on honoring its history, antiquities, and identity, meaning trees and green spaces must sit at the heart of development operations rather than standing in conflict with them.
While public support remains strong for modern road networks and new transit routes that ease travel between the capital and new cities, El-Hadidi argued that such progress should not clash with the environment or the identity of heritage areas. Preserving existing green spaces provides a vital breathing room for citizens, she said.
Environmental Protection and Climate Change Realities
Protecting existing trees and avoiding their uprooting serves as a direct defense of public health amid fast-paced climate change, according to El-Hadidi’s remarks. She warned that removing mature trees and replacing them with small seedlings places a heavy financial toll on the state, consumes vast quantities of water, and requires years to restore lost canopy coverage.
Egypt is engaged in international and regional efforts to protect the environment and host climate conferences, demonstrating a clear commitment to fighting pollution and desertification. El-Hadidi stressed that on-the-ground development must mirror these official goals, avoiding contradictory practices like cutting down trees or clearing out established vegetation.
Did You Know? The presidential directives emphasize converting newly cleared spaces into green surfaces, aiming to preserve heritage identities while building “New Egypt.”
Building a Balanced Future for New Egypt
El-Hadidi noted that the deep connection Egyptians feel toward trees and history forms a core part of their national identity. The ultimate goal of building a modern Egypt centers on creating an integrated life that blends development, beauty, and originality, rather than expanding into dry concrete spaces or adding shops and kiosks at the expense of greenery.
Looking ahead, a possible next step involves drafting a precise action plan with a defined timeline to execute these tree-planting and greening projects. El-Hadidi pointed out that authorities should enlist specialized experts and scientists to determine the most suitable tree types and proper care methods, ensuring the presidential directives translate into direct benefits for citizens’ everyday lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the recent presidential directives entail regarding Cairo?
The directives focus on “greening Cairo,” reviving historical and heritage landmarks, and transforming cleared spaces into green surfaces.
How do new road networks affect existing green areas, according to the source?
While road networks and new transport axes have successfully eased movement between the capital and new cities, El-Hadidi noted they must not conflict with the environment, heritage identities, or existing green spaces.
What recommendations were made for implementing the greening projects?
El-Hadidi called for a precise action plan with a defined timeline, alongside consulting scientific experts to select appropriate tree types and oversee their maintenance.
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