A safe and clean environment is essential for any sustainable economic development, writes Samia Zeitoun* One of the distinguishing features of a modern city is how well it integrates green spaces in its urban-planning design. Great cities can boast of tree-lined streets, landmark parks, safe green play areas and a network of pedestrian walkways to connect attractive city highlights. Cairo, a mega-city with one of the highest population densities in the world, faces immense environmental problems in the form of air and water pollution. The health hazard this poses is well documented. But it is not only public health that is at stake. A safe and clean environment is essential for any sustainable economic development. How can Egypt reverse this environmental degradation? A committed partnership between all sectors of society seems to be the only way out. A welcome phenomenon in recent years has been the emergence of numerous environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as the appointment of a Minister of State for the Environment and the enactment of the 1994 law for the protection of the environment. The role of environmental NGOs is twofold. First, to carry out their specific agenda of advocacy and project implementation aimed at the protection and conservation of nature. Second, to play the role of watchdog to make sure the government fulfills its role as guardian of our natural resources. Regrettably, environmental laws are not consistently enforced due to the complexity of the issues and the lack of co-ordination between ministries. The Tree Lovers Association (TLA) is one such NGO focusing on nature conservation and propagation. Founded by Mustapha and Saffiya Moyine El Arab in May 1973 with a group of dedicated residents of the green suburb of Maadi, they initiated several programmes and projects, and developed guidelines and codes of conduct on how to interact with the environment. The philosophy on which TLA is founded is grounded in the respect and love of nature and a commitment to its protection. Its aim continues to be to serve the community by encouraging and assisting the public at large to protect and increase space for trees, green areas and wildlife. As a pressure group it has lobbied against and successfully prevented projects that would have caused irreversible damage to our natural heritage. Wadi Degla, a 60million year old valley, was threatened by the encroachment of urban activities, especially those related to quarrying and solid waste. Conflicting interests between governmental and commercial sectors were putting the area at risk of destruction. Backed by solid scientific data, and with the help of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the media, TLA spearheaded a campaign that successfully mobilized public opinion . The valley was saved for the enjoyment of future generations, becoming the 21st Egyptian Natural Protectorate. In its attempt to alleviate pollution and to mitigate its impact on the health of low-income citizens, the TLA also completed the greening of three feddans to replace a hazardous rubbish dump in an impoverished area of Basateen. The project was an example of various sectors working successfully together. Funds were provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), multinational companies, private individuals and local institutions, as well as through the proceeds from a "Home and Garden Tour" of Maadi that was held for three consecutive years. Ezbet El Ward public garden continues to be an oasis of greenery, hosting many varieties of trees and shrubs that help cleanse the air in this highly congested area. Recently, TLA broadened its lobbying efforts to encompass all of Egypt, encouraging the creation of natural protectorates to safeguard unique areas as sanctuaries for biodiversity. An important part of TLA's mission is also to collaborate with the Ministry of Education by offering informal environmental awareness programmes to schools and educational institutions. The very act of planting trees in the schoolyard with the participation of children and their teachers has proven to be an enjoyable and effective way of teaching environmental awareness outside of the classroom. Children can be the best conveyers of messages for positive change to family and friends when they are fully engaged in such activities. The famous botanist Vivi Talcom once said: " If you know a tree's name, it creates a link between both of you." Once a year, TLA also conducts a Tree Walk to educate the public on the wealth of trees in the vicinity of Maadi. This has become a community activity that allows citizens to experience and enjoy the beauty of nature around them. Over the years the TLA has been invited by many clubs, schools, and universities to conduct similar tours. Another annual programme that has continued for 35 years is Gardeners Day. It is a competition to select the best-kept pavement or square tended by residents, in order to encourage the beautification of communal areas by caring residents. TLA members annually evaluate over 500 different areas grading them for their trees, shrubs, green hedges, grass and flowers. Gift certificates and a prize tree are awarded to the winning homeowner/caretaker in recognition of his/her efforts. The winning gardener is also awarded a set of gardening tools. The activity strengthens the sense of community and belonging, while enhancing the immediate surroundings of the residents. Though much more needs to be done, it is gratifying to see a growing realization that the successful greening of our cities can only be achieved if both official and nonofficial sectors reach out to involve the public at large. By working together, we can find innovative development strategies that preserve our natural heritage for future generations. * The writer is Secretary General of the Tree Lovers Association.
