Hani Suleiman, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources, has highlighted significant challenges in the field of water resources due to limited water availability.
In Egypt, the per capita water share is only 500 cubic meters per year, representing half the water poverty line value. Additionally, climate change poses an additional challenge that impacts the water sector.
During his participation in the “Water and Food Security” session held as part of the COP28 climate conference, Suleiman emphasized the state’s efforts in water reuse, amounting to 21 billion cubic meters annually.
Yasmin Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, witnessed the signing of a partnership and services contract between the Administrative Capital for Urban Development and “Environment,” an integrated waste recycling solutions company.
The contract aims to establish a company dedicated to integrated waste management in the administrative capital.
Minister Suleiman pointed out that fragmentation of agricultural ownership is one of the significant challenges facing Egypt’s water and agriculture sectors.
This fragmentation has led to multiple water pump systems using diesel fuel for irrigation, resulting in increased emissions from fossil fuel usage.
To address this issue, efforts are being made to support the formation of water user associations, guided by the new Water Resources and Irrigation Law.
Farmers are being trained on coordinating under these associations, which will help unify farmers located along the same watercourse.
This will enable farmers to use a single water lifting point, reducing emissions and improving crop selection coordination.
Suleiman stressed that making progress in addressing global water challenges requires placing water at the heart of global climate action.
This is based on the significant success achieved in the previous COP27 climate conference. It is essential to address water and climate challenges, whether through modern technologies, new policies, or legislative amendments.
The Minister of Water Resources emphasized the importance of including water and food in the current COP28 negotiations to incorporate them into the comprehensive resolution to be issued by the conference.
Furthermore, Egypt boasts an extensive network of canals for water distribution, with lengths reaching up to 33,000 kilometers.
Suleiman emphasized the importance of transitioning to water desalination projects as a tool for intensive food production.
In conclusion, Egypt faces pressing challenges in water scarcity and climate change, and it is actively working to address these issues through innovative approaches and sustainable practices.
