Egypt is working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to expand climate adaptation projects in the water sector, focusing on coastal protection and sustainable management of the country’s water resources, officials said Tuesday.
The discussions took place between Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, and UNDP representatives, with both sides reviewing ongoing projects and exploring opportunities for new interventions aimed at strengthening the country’s resilience to climate-related water risks.
In a statement, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said Sewilam emphasized the importance of early warning systems for climate hazards, as well as the implementation of practical and scalable adaptation measures. “Strengthening cooperation with international partners is essential to ensure that Egypt can respond effectively to climate risks affecting water resources and coastal zones,” the Ministry quoted him as saying.
The meeting reviewed progress on a US$31.4 million project funded by the Green Climate Fund, which is designed to enhance climate adaptation along Egypt’s northern coast and the Nile Delta. Scheduled for completion in November 2026, the project includes mapping climate-related risks such as sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and flooding, upgrading coastal monitoring systems, and developing an integrated coastal zone management plan.
Officials said the project also seeks to strengthen local capacities for climate-resilient water management, improve coordination among government agencies, and raise public awareness about environmental hazards. The initiative forms part of Egypt’s broader efforts to implement nature-based solutions and resilient infrastructure in vulnerable coastal areas.
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During the discussions, Sewilam and UNDP also considered a second phase of the project, which could include beach nourishment and other nature-based shoreline protection measures to reduce the impact of erosion and storm surges. Such measures are intended to complement structural interventions while supporting ecological sustainability along Egypt’s coastline.
The talks further addressed a renewable energy-powered desalination project launched in 2023, aimed at providing water for agricultural use. Sewilam and UNDP representatives discussed ongoing efforts to mobilize international financing to expand the initiative, which is seen as a key component in Egypt’s strategy to secure water supply amid growing demand and climate pressures.
Officials noted that the meeting also focused on Egypt’s national water adaptation plan, including assessments of the impacts of climate change on water resources and the development of comprehensive databases to support flood protection and early response systems. The Ministry said such efforts are critical to ensure coordinated planning and effective use of resources in addressing both immediate and long-term climate threats.
Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for its water supply, faces increasing challenges from rising temperatures, variable rainfall, and pressures on coastal and agricultural areas. The UNDP has supported the country in designing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including projects aimed at sustainable water management, flood protection, and ecosystem restoration.
Sewilam stressed that international cooperation, technology transfer, and financing are essential to scale up these initiatives, while ensuring local communities benefit directly from adaptation measures. UNDP officials reiterated their commitment to supporting Egypt in strengthening resilience and implementing evidence-based policies that address both environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
The talks underscore Egypt’s ongoing efforts to balance development with climate resilience, particularly in the water sector, which is central to the country’s economy, agriculture, and population well-being. Officials indicated that the outcomes of the meeting would inform both the current project and planning for future interventions to safeguard Egypt’s water resources against the mounting pressures of climate change.
