Coastal protection work
Kafr Al sheikh Governorate
Why did the ECCADP project choose Kafr El Sheikh Governorate?
The 100-kilometer Kafr El Sheikh coastline, as revealed by studies from the IPCC and local research institutions, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with nearly 29% at risk of inundation. The imminent threat to the population, infrastructure, and the governorate's economy necessitates immediate and effective protective measures.
What did the ECCADP project provide to Kafr El Sheikh?
Protection of citizens and state investments:
In response to studies that indicated the area was at risk of submersion by seawater, a project to enhance adaptation to climate change was implemented in cooperation between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the United Nations Development Programme. This project was funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Egyptian General Authority for Shore Protection. The project included coastal protection works extending for 29 km from west of Burullus fishing port to the mouth of the Rashid branch, using modern, environmentally friendly, and low-cost techniques. The protection works contributed to the protection of lives, property, and investments in the governorate, estimated at 1.194 million Egyptian pounds (Burullus power station - industrial city - water treatment plant - international coastal road).
Private Sector Involvement:
To maximize the utilization of local resources, support the national economy, and create job opportunities for Egyptian workers, the implementation of coastal protection works in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate was entrusted to three Egyptian contracting companies. This decision has contributed to creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic activity in the governorate, in addition to enhancing the capabilities of the Egyptian private sector in executing large-scale projects.
Improving Citizens Incomes:
The climate change adaptation project has had a significant positive impact on the local community by creating diverse job opportunities for men, women, and youth. Over 1,300 individuals have benefited from the project, including approximately 300 women and young girls. This has empowered women economically and improved their living standards and those of their families, leading to increased household incomes and a higher standard of living in the region. Women's work primarily focused on the components of the revetments used in the coastal protection structures.
Description of shore Protection Works:
Scope of Protection: 29 km, extending from west of Burullus fishing port to the mouth of the Rashid branch.
Materials Used: Environmentally friendly materials (sand + bulrush).
The protective structure exemplifies nature-based solutions for Shore protection Works, utilizing natural materials such as reeds and relying on the adaptive capacity of nature. The structure consists of an earthen embankment topped with sand berms made of reeds, which trap sand to form natural barriers protecting the shore. This technique is highly adaptable and can be reinforced and elevated over time with additional layers of reeds to accommodate future sea-level rise scenarios.