Kafr El Sheikh Takes Decisive Action to Confront Climate Change and Protect the Coastal Strip
Major General Dr. Alaa Abdelmoaty, Governor of Kafr El Sheikh, chaired a meeting of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Committee to follow up on the developments of the project for enhancing climate change adaptation in the North Coast and Nile Delta, as part of the province's Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan activities.
The meeting included a select group of leaders and experts, namely: Major General Mohamed Shawky Badr, Secretary General; Brigadier General Mostafa Shawky, Military Advisor; Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Ali, Executive Director of the Climate Adaptation Project; Dr. Yousry El-Koumy, Strategic Planning and Governance Expert for the Project; Dr. Taher Othman, Project Plan Officer; Dr. Mohamed El-Genzoury, Engineer Fatma El-Shawadfy, and Engineer Omnia Ahmed, Project Coordinators; in addition to a number of heads of districts and cities, undersecretaries of service ministries, and directors-general of various government interests and public utility sectors, as members of the Committee.
The meeting's agenda focused on a deep review of the latest developments in the climate adaptation project. The work team presented detailed maps of the risks facing the coast, such as sea-level rise, floods and inundation, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion into groundwater. In parallel, the Governor discussed the province's Strategic Plan, which represents a comprehensive framework for managing coastal resources, determining the optimal uses and development of coastal lands, while considering current and anticipated climate risks to ensure the sustainability of the province's adaptation capacity.
In a step of utmost importance to ensure sound and sustainable planning, the Governor affirmed that no new project will be permitted on the coastal strip without being presented to the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Committee and obtaining a decision of approval or rejection. This measure aims to regulate urban planning, protect public property and funds, and precisely account for climate variables in accordance with scientific studies. The Governor stressed that the state is steadily proceeding with the implementation of coastal protection projects to ensure a safe and sustainable future for present and future generations.
In another context, the meeting reviewed the Social Component of the project, where the progress made in supporting coastal communities affected by climate change was discussed. The presentation included the results of the systematic evaluation of the first-phase projects (which ended in December 2023 and included 142 projects) implemented in cooperation with the "Misr El Kheir" Foundation and the Desert Research Center. Studies showed the success and continuity of projects such as spraying motors, fishing net weaving, and solar pumping systems, while the evaluation revealed challenges in feed mixing and Basa fish hatchery projects, which showed high cessation rates. This extracted data will be used to design the implementation items for the second phase with the new implementing partner (the "Food Bank" Foundation) to ensure maximum sustainability and developmental impact.
It is noteworthy that the activation of 8 Integrated Management Committees in the coastal governorates is one of the most important outputs of the project's Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan. These committees have been activated in cooperation between the coastal governorates and the project management, aiming to study development plans on the Mediterranean coast and achieve the desired sustainable development.
