Minister of Irrigation Directs Submission of "Adaptation Project" Outcomes to Cabinet to Ratify Institutional Framework for Protecting Egyptian Coasts

Professor Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, chaired an expanded meeting to follow up on the executive status of the project "Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the Nile Delta and Mediterranean Coast." He emphasized that protecting Egypt’s shores is a top priority to ensure sustainable development as well as national water and food security.

The meeting was attended by high-level leadership from the Ministry, heads of authorities, the National Water Research Center, the Project’s Executive Director, and senior officials from the Minister’s Technical Office.

From Damietta to Matrouh: Scaling Up "Integrated Management"

The Minister reviewed updates on the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan, specifically the "Risk Maps" for the Mediterranean coast and the National Coastal Monitoring System, which is currently being installed along the coastline to provide accurate, real-time data.

Furthermore, the Minister directed the commencement of the second pilot implementation in Matrouh Governorate, following the decision of the Project Steering Committee. He stressed the necessity of incorporating and applying "lessons learned" from the successful first pilot in Damietta Governorate to ensure maximum executive efficiency.

Towards a Sustainable Institutional Framework

In a strategic move to ensure project continuity, Dr. Sewilam directed the preparation of a comprehensive presentation of all project outcomes to be submitted to the Cabinet. The objective is to ratify the institutional framework for the Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan. This measure aims to establish participatory planning and unify the efforts of all relevant stakeholders to protect Egypt’s coasts beyond the project's official conclusion.