Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam reviewed the status of Egypt’s ongoing coastal protection projects aimed at addressing the adverse impacts of climate change. During the meeting, Sewilam reviewed progress on a number of coastal protection projects currently under implementation, including the first phase of the Alexandria Coastal Protection Project extending from Bir Massoud to El Mahrousa over a distance of 2 kilometers, and the second phase of the Alexandria Coastal Protection Project spanning 600 meters to protect the Corniche wall and road in the Laurent area and restore the sandy beach there.
The minister also reviewed the construction of breakwaters in front of the Naval Forces site in Ras El Bar, Damietta, to protect reclaimed land in front of the facility, the second phase of coastal protection works at El Abyad Beach in Marsa Matrouh, the protection of low-lying coastal areas west of Idku Port in Beheira Governorate, and the protection of low-lying coastal zones in the Motobas area of Kafr El Sheikh Governorate.
Preparations are also underway to implement two additional coastal protection projects: the protection of the shoreline east of El Bannayin and El Marazeka villages in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, and the second phase of the coastal protection project east of Ezbet El Borg in the Tewal Abu El Rous area of Damietta Governorate.
In parallel, studies are being finalized for shoreline management along Egypt’s 1,200-kilometer northern coast, as well as for integrated coastal zone management. The move reflects the need to address the coastal zone as one interconnected system rather than a series of separate projects, while strengthening coordination among all relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of all implemented measures.
Sewilam stated that the ministry is implementing a range of protection projects using both conventional methods and environmentally friendly nature-based solutions, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of protection structures and providing a model for future projects.
He stressed the importance of managing the entire coastal zone as a unified and interconnected system rather than isolated projects, alongside enhanced coordination among all concerned entities to guarantee sustainability in all implemented measures. The minister also reaffirmed the Egyptian government’s commitment to supporting development and facilitating procedures for investors, individuals, and the private sector regarding permits for projects carried out in coastal areas.
He highlighted efforts to establish a transparent and efficient environment through the regular convening of the Supreme Committee for Shoreline Licensing to accelerate decisions on applications submitted by investors and citizens. Sewilam added that the ministry is developing a digital platform for shoreline licensing as part of efforts to strengthen governance and streamline all procedures related to permit applications.