The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI), Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Aty, and UN Development Programme Resident Representative Ms. Randa Abu Al-Hosn, have concluded the Integrated Management for Coastal Resources training program for Governmental personnel at Northern Egyptian governorates. The workshop targeted local administrations and governmental branches located in North Sinai, Port Said, Damietta, Dakahlia, Kafr El-Sheikh, Behera, Alexandria, and Matrouh governorates.

The training was part of the “Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation in the North Coast of Egypt” project, implemented by MWRI and UNDP with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Under Secretary of Water Resources and Irrigation Dr. Ragab Al Azeem, Representative of the Ministry of Environment, Eng. Sherif Abd El Raheem and the head of the Egyptian General Authority for Shores Protection Eng Medhat Hanna attended the closing workshop at the MWRI’s Abdelhady Rady Hall.

In his remarks, H.E. Dr. Abdel-Aty highlighted that the training paves the way to prepare an integrated management plan for coastal resources at the North Coast. It brings all stakeholders to actively cooperate in preparing the plan and adhere to it to protect the state and individuals' investments in developing the North Coast from the risks of climate change.

On her part, Ms. Randa Aboul-Hosn stated that climate change had become a tangible reality that requires everyone to adapt. Capacity building is an essential part and is considered a vital component of UNDP’s supported projects and the Egyptian Government through a partnership that extends for more than 20 years.

Project Manager, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed stated that the training program included 120 government officials from all coastal governorates over six months at a rate of two sessions per month. He added that the project would start implementing specialized training sessions as part of the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Plan in the next phase.