The Dream of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Egypt Becomes a true Pioneering Achievements in Facing Climate Change
The Eighth Cairo Water Week, held under the theme "Innovative Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Water Sustainability" (October 12-16, 2025), hosted a pivotal session titled " The Dream of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Egypt Becomes a true" The session, organized by the project "Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the Nile Delta and Northern Coast," underscored the integrated efforts of the state to protect its vital coasts.
The session witnessed significant attendance and high-level participation, including: His Excellency Dr. Hani Sewilam (Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation), Eng. Sherif El Shorbagy (Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities), Dr. Ayman El-Shahaby (Governor of Damietta), alongside Ms. Chitoshi Noguchi (United Nations Development Programme – UNDP Representative), and Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Ali (Project Director).
Dr. Hani Sewilam opened the session with a decisive affirmation that Egypt, particularly its coasts, is among the countries most affected by climate change, pointing to serious challenges like the intrusion of seawater into groundwater. His Excellency highlighted the Adaptation Project as one of the most important models of state projects serving sustainable development by balancing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions for future generations.
Eng. Sherif El Shorbagy, Minister of Housing, stressed that the project carries an "important message" and establishes "a new era characterized by the integration of state institutions." He emphasized that the issue of climate change is a "fateful cause that mandates the unification of bodies and specializations" to confront its devastating effects on the Egyptian coasts.
Dr. Ayman El-Shahaby, Governor of Damietta, noted that "the simplicity of the project's concept and execution is the secret of its genius." He revealed that the Governorate had won first place in applying the pilot plan for Integrated Coastal Zone Management, asserting that this was achieved thanks to intensive work, workshops, and field visits that led to a precise definition of the roles and tasks necessary for the project's successful implementation.
For her part, Ms. Chitoshi Noguchi, UNDP Representative, expressed great admiration for the progress made in establishing coastal protection systems using "Nature-Based Solutions," an approach that has gained wide international recognition. She confirmed that protecting the low-lying lands in the Nile Delta from sea-level rise is a "top priority" for the UN program, commending the fruitful partnership with the Egyptian Government.
Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Ali, the Project Director, announced that the coming days will witness the approval of the legal and institutional framework for the Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan. He stressed that the "integration of roles among concerned parties" is the optimal and only way to effectively deal with the challenges posed by climate change on the coasts.
It is worth noting that the project, "Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the Nile Delta and Northern Coast," is a collaboration between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), implemented by the Egyptian General Authority for Shore Protection (EGASP) and funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project succeeded in its first component in protecting one-third of the Delta from inundation using eco-friendly techniques in the governorates of Kafr El Sheikh, Beheira, Damietta, Dakahlia, and Port Said. The project is currently finalizing the Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan in cooperation with all relevant authorities.
