The Egyptian Ministry of Planning has convened a roundtable to review preliminary studies for a major adaptation project aimed at mitigating the effects of sea-level rise in the northern Delta region. The initiative, which involves collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), is a key component of Egypt’s broader strategy to transition towards a green economy and enhance resilience against climate change.
The roundtable, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, and other key stakeholders, focused on the “Adaptation of the Northern Delta Affected by Sea Level Rise” project. This project falls under the food pillar of Egypt’s Nexus on Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) program, which seeks to foster sustainable development across the water, food, and energy sectors.
A Focus on the Green Economy Transition
The initiative is one of nine projects under the NWFE program, which aims to accelerate Egypt’s transition to a green economy by addressing the challenges posed by climate change. These projects, spread across the country’s water, food, and energy sectors, are crucial in helping Egypt meet its long-term sustainability goals outlined in its National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) 2050.
Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, stressed the importance of continued collaboration with relevant ministries to finalize the technical studies required for the successful implementation of the NWFE projects. The minister highlighted the state’s efforts to drive adaptation and mitigation policies aimed at combating climate change. She also noted that the country has already signed contracts for renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 4.2 GW, towards a target of 10 GW under the energy sector.
Aiming to Protect Millions
The adaptation project in the northern Delta aims to benefit approximately 10 million citizens and focuses on empowering smallholder farmers with adaptation policies to combat sea-level rise. It also seeks to strengthen rural communities’ capacity to respond to natural disasters and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, especially the encroaching sea-level rise.
One of the key objectives of the project is to support agricultural diversification to ensure food security and stimulate income growth. In addition, it aims to curb internal migration from the affected areas to urban centers, helping to preserve the local agricultural landscape and rural communities. The project will primarily target the governorates of Kafr El-Sheikh, Beheira, Damietta, Dakahlia, and Port Said, all of which are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise.
Another major goal is to preserve Egypt’s fertile agricultural land, which is crucial for the country’s food production, while also promoting the expansion of reclaimed desert land to offset losses caused by climate impacts.
International Support and Private Sector Involvement
The project has received significant financial backing, with the European Union contributing €125,000 and the European Investment Bank offering €300,000 in grants to fund consultancy services and ensure the completion of necessary studies. This funding is designed to support the formulation of tools and mechanisms to involve the private sector in the project, enhancing the potential for private investment and reducing reliance on public spending.
The integration of private sector involvement is vital, as it will help attract additional investments, reduce costs, and ensure that the project remains financially viable in the long term. This approach aligns with the NWFE program’s broader strategy of using blended financing tools to leverage both public and private funding sources.
A Blueprint for Climate Adaptation
The NWFE program, which the adaptation project is a part of, serves as a model for climate finance. It represents a country-driven approach that integrates efforts across national ministries, development partners, and private investors, ensuring that projects are sustainable and effective. The program emphasizes a just transition to a green economy, focusing on building resilience to climate change while addressing its driving factors.
With its combination of development financing, technical expertise, and private sector participation, the NWFE program offers a compelling model for other nations facing similar climate challenges. The initiative in Egypt serves as an example of how countries can effectively tackle the impacts of climate change while ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive economic future.
Looking Ahead
As Egypt continues to expand its climate adaptation efforts, the “Adaptation of the Northern Delta Affected by Sea Level Rise” project stands as a key pillar of its broader vision for climate resilience. The successful implementation of this project will not only protect millions of citizens but also ensure that the country remains on track to meet its climate goals, fostering a more sustainable and green economy for future generations.
