Climate Change Adaptation Project Participates in National Water Research Center's Gold Jubilee Celebration
The project "Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the Nile Delta and Northern Coast" participated in the celebration organized by the National Water Research Center (NWRC) on the occasion of fifty years of dedication and leadership in water resource management. The celebration was held at the Sheraton Montazah in Alexandria Governorate during a workshop titled "A Sustainable Future for Egypt's Coasts: Aligning Investment, Development, and Environmental Safety."
The workshop, held as part of the celebration's activities, aimed to foster integration between coastal development plans and environmental preservation. It saw attendance from representatives of government entities, the private sector, academia, civil society, and decision-makers.
During one of the sessions, the project's team reviewed its various activities, including the nature-based solutions that have contributed to protecting one-third of the Delta from the risk of inundation. The session also covered the policies and methodology of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan, the National Coastal Monitoring System for the Mediterranean Sea, and the project's community awareness plan.
Over two days, the workshop discussed numerous topics related to beach protection and reviewed nature-based solutions for coastal protection, such as beach nourishment, sand dune stabilization, and the restoration of natural environments like wetlands and lakes. It was emphasized that these methods are effective and environmentally friendly in reducing the risks of erosion and flooding while preserving biodiversity.
The workshop also addressed the impacts of climate change on Egyptian coasts, both in the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and reviewed the historical development of coastal engineering in Egypt. The vulnerability of Egyptian ports on the Mediterranean coast (Alexandria, El Dekheila, El Mex, Damietta) to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise and changes in wave dynamics, was assessed. Integrated Coastal Zone Management plans and other important topics were also discussed.
The workshop concluded with a set of recommendations that emphasized the necessity of coordinating efforts among all stakeholders, including government entities, research institutions, civil society, and the private sector, with the goal of enhancing coastal resilience in Egypt. Special emphasis was placed on capacity building as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable coastal development, through the preparation of specialized technical cadres and the development of continuous training programs. The recommendations also included the importance of expanding international partnerships, promoting scientific research, and exchanging expertise with all parties, while stressing the importance of continuing multilateral dialogue and cooperation to ensure these recommendations are translated into tangible actions that contribute to protecting Egypt's coasts and enhancing their ability to face future challenges.
