Egypt begins construction of new 150-Kilometer road network in Matrouh desert

CAIRO - 1 October 2024: The Desert Research Center, part of Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, has initiated the construction of a new road network stretching 150 kilometers across the Matrouh Desert.

This significant infrastructure project is part of the Adaptation to Desert Environments Initiative, funded by the Egyptian government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The road network aims to improve local infrastructure by linking the city of Dabaa with Sidi Barrani, enhancing accessibility in the area.

In addition to infrastructure development, the Desert Research Center organized a training course on water desalination and treatment for teachers from technical education schools. The course, conducted in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Egypt’s Ministry of Education, focuses on sustainable development and teaching methods related to water management. The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate green economy principles into Egypt's technical education system, with a specific focus on water purification techniques.

The head of the Desert Research Center also participated in the 10th Regional Forum on Natural Resource Conservation, hosted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Saudi Arabia. The forum aimed to foster regional cooperation by providing a platform for governments and non-governmental organizations to discuss key issues surrounding biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management in the region.

Egypt has played an active role in combating desertification through its participation in the preparatory meetings of the African Group of Environment Ministers (AMCEN). Representing Egypt, Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aaty discussed strategies to develop a unified African stance on drought issues, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks and international support to mitigate land degradation and desertification across Africa.

The Desert Research Center has also been active in supporting agricultural research and innovation. A training workshop titled "Modern Applications for Maximizing Agricultural Waste Utilization" was launched at the New Valley Resource Development Center in El Kharga, in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development.

The program introduced farmers and small agricultural investors to the latest techniques in recycling agricultural waste, producing organic fertilizers, and utilizing biogas and wood vinegar from agricultural byproducts.

This initiative aligns with Egypt’s efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce environmental pollution by converting waste into valuable resources.

Additionally, the Matrouh Center for Sustainable Development is spearheading a project titled Sustainable Water and Soil Management in Drylands of the Mediterranean Basin, which aims to develop innovative solutions to restore degraded lands. The project involves six Mediterranean countries, including Egypt, Italy, Tunisia, Greece, Morocco, and Spain, and focuses on enhancing the resilience of dryland ecosystems through sustainable land management practices.

These solutions are intended to be adaptable for similar arid regions around the Mediterranean.

This series of initiatives by Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustainable development, regional cooperation, and environmental protection while significantly improving the infrastructure and resources in desert areas like Matrouh.