Several Syrian governorates are witnessing wide-ranging environmental initiatives through national and community-led reforestation campaigns. These efforts aim to revive vegetation cover, restore biodiversity, and rebalance ecosystems as part of a broader national vision for environmental recovery.
‘A Tree for Every Soldier’
In a step reflecting the military institution’s engagement in environmental protection, the Ministry of Defense launched a national reforestation campaign titled “A Tree for Every Soldier” from the village of al-Kabina in northern Latakia countryside. The campaign was also implemented in Aleppo governorate and focuses on rehabilitating forest cover while reinforcing cohesion between the army and local communities.
Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra stated that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, around 200,000 saplings were imported for the campaign, with Syrian Arab Army personnel directly participating in planting them. Ali Hafiz, commander of the Third Battalion in the 60th Division, explained that the campaign coincides with the anniversary of Syria’s liberation, symbolizing the integration of national efforts to restore lands damaged during the years of conflict.
‘Plant a Nation’
The Ministry of Agriculture launched the “Plant a Nation” campaign along Damascus International Airport Road, targeting the planting of 5,900 saplings across 25 hectares. The initiative is being implemented with official and community participation, alongside representatives from several local and Arab organizations.
The first phase includes planting 9 hectares with approximately 2,100 saplings, while the second and third phases each cover 8 hectares with about 1,900 saplings. Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr noted that Syria has suffered a significant decline in green cover, stressing that these campaigns form part of a comprehensive national program to restore vegetation, coinciding with the start of the planting season.
‘Our Countryside is Green’
In Rural Damascus, the governorate, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, launched the “Our Countryside is Green” afforestation campaign in the city of Harasta in Eastern Ghouta. The campaign includes planting 500,000 forest and fruit-bearing saplings, many inscribed with phrases reflecting the sacrifices of the Syrian people over the years.
The initiative saw broad official and popular participation, alongside agricultural activities involving local and international organizations. Rural Damascus Governor Amer al-Sheikh affirmed that the campaign is part of a strategic vision to restore environmental balance and compensate for the loss of forest and fruit trees.
These reforestation initiatives fall within a comprehensive government approach to rebuilding affected areas, combining environmental recovery with the rehabilitation of service infrastructure. Together, they aim to enhance stability, support biodiversity, and contribute to restoring normal life across Syria.
