Egypt's Tree Cover Faces Challenges as Urbanization and Incidents Rise

Egypt's Tree Cover Faces Challenges as Urbanization and Incidents Rise

In recent years, Egypt has witnessed significant challenges in maintaining its tree cover, primarily due to urbanization and incidents such as the recent one in Beheira Governorate. The country's total area spans over 98 million hectares, with tree cover accounting for a mere 0.16%. Over the years, Egypt has experienced a net tree cover change of approximately 11.70%, with urbanization being a major driver of tree cover loss. In 2026, a notable incident was recorded in Beheira Governorate, highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges. From 2001 to 2025, urbanization contributed to a substantial portion of tree cover loss, with an average annual loss of about 0.00% of the total area. Despite these challenges, there has been a gain of 4206 hectares in tree cover, indicating efforts towards restoration. As Egypt continues to urbanize, balancing development with environmental conservation remains crucial.