The Damietta Governorate, thanks to the "Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the North Coast and Nile Delta" project, has transformed into a focal point of global interest and a role model in the field of coastal protection. This significance was embodied by the Governorate hosting a high-level delegation comprising UN representatives from 16 different countries, who came specifically to witness the project's tangible success and document the innovative, eco-friendly coastal protection works implemented along the Mediterranean coast. This international attention confirms that Egypt's achievements in climate adaptation are no longer merely local efforts but have become a global success story attracting visitors and expertise from various countries around the world.

The visiting delegation was accompanied by a group of key leaders and figures who steered this achievement, reflecting the integration between national and international efforts. The list of accompanying officials included:

From the Governmental Side:

H.E. Eng. Shaimaa Elsedik, Deputy Governor of Damietta.

Eng. Mohamed Hassan Ghatas, Head of the Egyptian General Authority for Shore Protection (ASP).

Major General Mohamed Hammam, Secretary-General of the Governorate.

Dr. Amr Hanafy, Governor's Advisor and Official Spokesperson.

Eng. Salwa Abdel Fattah, Head of the Central Department for Implementation and Maintenance of the Red Sea (part of EGASP).

Eng. Mohamed El Dali, Director of Environmental Management at the Governorate.

From the UN and Executive Side:

Ms. Chitoshi Noguchi, Resident Representative of UNDP in Egypt.

Dr. Mohamed Bayoumi, Assistant Resident Representative.

Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Ali, Executive Manager of the Project

The international visit's activities commenced with warm welcoming speeches that reflected the depth of the Egyptian-UN partnership. The speeches began with welcomes from Eng. Shaimaa Elsedik and Eng. Mohamed Hassan Ghatas, followed by a speech from Ms. Chitoshi Noguchi, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, who highlighted the importance of this cooperation.

Following the opening, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Ali presented a comprehensive overview of the protection works implemented along the 11-kilometer stretch of the Damietta coast. The presentation emphasized the reliance of the protection on eco-friendly and low-cost technologies, specifically the use of reeds (Boos) to construct natural barriers that support the formation of sand dunes. This simple approach not only ensured 100% protection for citizens, agricultural lands, and infrastructure but also demonstrated exceptional resilience against storms (Nawat) and rising sea levels, as attested by live testimonies from the citizens themselves.

The presentation concluded with praise for the fruitful and close cooperation between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) and the UNDP. The visiting delegation noted the strong support provided by the donor agencies for adopting nature-based solutions as a sustainable and effective approach to protecting the Egyptian coasts.

The visiting delegation stated that while they came to inspect the innovative coastal protection engineering works, they left with a much deeper understanding: that this project is not merely an engineering scheme, but an integrated model for sustainable development. They observed how Egypt achieved a perfect balance between economic, social, and environmental goals. They witnessed firsthand the direct impact of the participation of women from local communities in the implementation work. These women are now at the forefront of the protection efforts, not only building the reed structures but also actively contributing to raising the standard of living and providing a better future for their families.

The equation they witnessed in Damietta is simple yet powerful: Low-cost Solutions + Effective Protection + Community Empowerment = Guaranteed and Sustainable Success! This unique blend is the main driver for the project's international visits. They emphasized: "We did not just come to see a project; we came to adopt this pioneering Egyptian model as a regional and international reference for building community resilience and genuine adaptation to the challenges of climate change, reflecting the integration among national entities."

It is noteworthy that the project "Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the North Coast and Nile Delta" is the result of effective and fruitful cooperation between the MWRI and the UNDP, executed by the Egyptian General Authority for Shore Protection (EGASP), and funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).