Egypt embarks on project to protect coastal cities, low areas in Delta from climate change

CAIRO – 5 May 2022: A total of 69 kilometers in five coastal governorates will be protected against climate change, undersecretary of the Ministry of Irrigation said Wednesday.

Undersecretary Ragab Abdel Azim said the governorates are Damietta, Dakahlia, Kafr el-Sheikh, Beheira, and Port Said. Some areas in these governorates suffer from rising sea level especially in the winter.

The protection project will be finalized by the end of 2023. It includes early warning stations at different depths within the Mediterranean to obtain data on storm waves and sudden natural phenomena.

It also includes an integrated management plan for the coastal areas along the northern coasts of Egypt to preserve investments and natural resources. This plan will be completed by 2025.

The project in Kafr el-Sheikh began with 27 kilometers as a priority to protect the international road, Burullus power station, fish farms in Berket Ghalyoun, farms nearby, and future expansions in tourist projects.

Abdel Azim added that the project provides pioneer experiments in using low-cost techniques and environment-friendly materials from nature surrounding the project area.

Beach bridges were constructed to protect the low areas, as well as longitudinal lines for sand fenders. Sand fenders are used to collect sand and reduce sand loss during storms.

Many Delta farms are flooded in the winter, causing severe losses to farmers. Egypt's popular Mediteranean city of Alexandria is among the cities at risk of sinking beneath the sea as a result of climate change.