Central and Local Coordination: The Cornerstone for the Success and Tangible Implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (First Round for Coastal Governorates)

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Central and Local Coordination: The Cornerstone for the Success and Tangible Implementation of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (First Round for Coastal Governorates)

In a pivotal step towards integrating climate change adaptation efforts into the state's development strategy, Cairo hosted an intensive workshop on June 24 and 25 to discuss the first draft of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan. This plan falls within the framework of the "Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the Nile Delta and Northern Coast of Egypt" project, aiming to present a detailed overview of the plan's outputs by the project's expert team to a wide range of concerned entities. The objective is to achieve comprehensive consensus to ensure the plan's effectiveness and successful implementation.

To achieve central and local coordination and cooperation essential for the success of this vital plan, the workshop was attended by representatives from the Integrated Management Committees of Port Said, Damietta, Dakahlia, and North Sinai governorates. Also present were representatives from various ministries, agencies, and research institutes, including the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (represented by the Irrigation Sector and Groundwater Sector), the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the New Urban Communities Authority, the Egyptian General Authority for Shore Protection, the Egyptian Public Authority for Drainage Projects, the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Water Research Center, the Groundwater Research Institute, the Water Resources Research Institute, the Agricultural Research Center, and the Environmental Affairs Agency, in addition to the working team of the Climate Change Adaptation Enhancement Project.

The workshop addressed the increasing risks associated with sea-level rise, including inundation, erosion, and sedimentation, as well as saltwater intrusion into groundwater. The profound impact of these changes on coastal biodiversity and the public health of residents in these vital areas was also reviewed, along with the social and economic effects on coastal communities, emphasizing the importance of preventive and remedial interventions.

Presentations and discussions over the two days were led by a distinguished group of specialized experts in relevant fields, enriching the workshop with constructive debates and effective questions. Among the prominent experts were: Dr. Mahmoud Fouad Ahmed (Environmental Diversity Expert and Nature Conservation Consultant), Dr. Essam El Din Fouad (Coastal Engineering and Port Construction Expert), Dr. Kawthar Kamel (Public Health Expert), Dr. Sameh Sakr (Groundwater Expert), Dr. Mohamed Abdel Karim (Socio-Economics Expert from Alexandria University), and Dr. Mahmoud Adel (Professor of Geographic Information Systems at Alexandria University).

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