Press Interpreter

06/06/05 -- The Ministry of Environmental Affairs issued the first report on the state of the environment in Egypt for 2004, indicating considerable progress in the reduction of air pollutants sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, thoracic particles, ozone, and smoke, along with a noteworthy reduction in pollution levels in the Nile and oceans and lakes.

Maagid George, Minister of Environmental Affairs, said that eliminating sources of air pollution in Egyptian cities was of major concern to the ministry. Measures include stopping open-air burning of agricultural and solid wastes, monitoring car exhaust and gases from industrial activities, broadening the use of natural gas, and increasing green areas to 17,740 acres of wooded forests and one million trees in the next five years.

The minister made the comments in a speech marking the kickoff of International Environment Day celebrations under the auspices of First Lady Susan Mubarak and with the slogan "Green Cities". Sources of water pollution were being eliminated, he said, through twelve qualitative programs aimed at protecting the Nile from pollution, preserving biodiversity, soil protection, and combating desertification by increasing the number of nature reserves to include 15% of Egyptian territory.

[Full article]

By Inas Halbi

--Translated by Michael McCain

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