Egypt’s Nile Delta, one of the most threatened areas by climate change, high sea level: Minister

CAIRO – 21 April 2022:  Egypt’s "Nile Delta is one of the most threatened areas by climate," said Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Atty in a statement on Thursday.

"Climate Change and rising sea levels represent a great challenge to a large number of countries in the world, especially on the coastal areas of deltas, which are vulnerable to inundation with sea water," the minister said, adding that the Nile Delta is one of the most threatened areas in the world and most sensitive to climate changes.

He added that Egypt is looking forward to hosting the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (UNFCCC COP 27), where a water pavilion representing the African continent is to be held. “It [pavilion] is a golden opportunity to present the challenges of the continent in the field of water.

According to the minister, the Fifth Cairo Water Week (CWW) will be held under the title “Water is at the heart of work,” ahead of the UNFCCC COP 27.

"Over the past years, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has carried out protection works for beaches with lengths of up to 210 km," the minister stated, adding that the ministry is implementing protection work up to 50 km in order to secure individuals and facilities in coastal areas.

On protecting the archaeological areas in the city of Alexandria, the minister explained that the Beach Protection Authority is currently implementing a project to protect Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria from high sea waves and continuous erosion.

The area surrounding the castle is being developed to attract tourism investments through the establishment of a barrier with a length of 520 meters, the construction of a 100-meter sea berth, and a 120-meter concrete walkway.