Sana'a: A meeting in the capital Sana'a discussed arrangements for launching a community-based initiative aimed at promoting sustainable afforestation, expanding green spaces, and strengthening community participation in environmental protection.
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Resources and Mobilization. They reviewed the initiative's plan and implementation mechanisms, coordination among relevant authorities, and the role of local authorities, agricultural cooperatives, and community initiatives in identifying target sites, implementing afforestation projects, and monitoring their progress.
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Seraji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture for the Plant Resources Sector, emphasized the importance of the initiative in supporting national efforts to expand afforestation, increase green spaces, and preserve natural and environmental resources, which contribute to sustainable development and community service. He stated that the initiative is part of efforts to prioritize the agricultural sector and strengthen community participation in environmental protection and vegetation-cover development. Dr. Al-Seraji noted that afforestation is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts by state institutions, local authorities, farmers, cooperatives, the private sector, and community initiatives.
Al-Seraji further explained that the initiative aims to transform afforestation from a seasonal and limited activity into a sustainable community practice by expanding the planting of fruit, forest, and ornamental trees in suitable areas, including cities, neighborhoods, villages, schools, government facilities, roads, and public spaces. He also highlighted the role of agricultural nurseries in producing high-quality seedlings and expanding their distribution to targeted areas.
Mobilization representative Mohammed Ghallab emphasized the need to unify efforts and coordinate among the relevant parties to ensure the initiative's success. He stressed the importance of strengthening community participation in planting and protecting trees and turning afforestation into a continuous undertaking involving all members of society.
Participants affirmed that the initiative's success depends on broad community participation and the transformation of afforestation into a sustainable culture and practice that contributes to environmental protection and the preservation of vegetation cover.