Amid Egypt’s rapid urbanization and commercialization, public parks serve as crucial sanctuaries of nature within its crowded cities. It would not be unreasonable to assume that accordingly, these rare oases would receive utmost preservation efforts. Sadly, the truth paints a disheartening picture, with trees and green spaces falling victim to almost systematic destruction in today’s Egypt, all in the name of commercialization or road expansion. In response to this trend, the initiative ‘Redefining Public Parks’ by Banlastic Egypt – an Alexandria-based environmental conservation organization – in collaboration with the German Embassy’s Cairo Climate Talks and the Alexandria Governorate, aims to breathe new life into public gardens. Their focus began with the historic Shalalat Park in Alexandria, which holds significance as the city’s largest and oldest garden, with a rich history dating back to the days of the Ptolemies and influences from the Fatimid era. On 29 July Banlastic Egypt organized a community event at Shalalat Park, featuring a range of workshops and speeches. Key Moments from the Shalalat Event The activities kicked off with a park clean-up, followed by a nature walk organized by Dayma Eco Experiences, during which participants…
‘Redefining Public Parks’: Leading the Battle Against Urbanization’s Impact on Egypt’s Green Havens
August 5, 2023
