Sewilam discusses using satellites and modern tools to monitor water hyacinth
During the meeting, the team presented a new application developed on the Google Earth Engine platform, a cloud-based geospatial processing platform that enables the use of satellite imagery to create a variety of data-processing applications.
The app allows high-speed, cost-effective and highly accurate monitoring of aquatic plants through satellite image analysis.
The application automatically identifies watercourses using various spectral indices designed to extract water bodies from satellite images.
Sewilam asserted the importance of leveraging modern technology to support the ministry's work and optimize the management of water resources.
He noted that the ability to continuously monitor the spread of water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds through satellite-based tools would allow ministry officials to take swift and informed decisions to manage and remove these invasive species.
The application also plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency by detecting any potential manipulation in work reports or discrepancies in the recorded volumes of removed vegetation during cleaning operations, he said.
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Egypt Independent
07-08-2025
- Egypt Independent
Sewilam discusses using satellites and modern tools to monitor water hyacinth
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam held a meeting with senior officials from the ministry to discuss the use of satellite technology and modern tools for monitoring and managing the spread of water hyacinth and aquatic weeds in the country's waterways. During the meeting, the team presented a new application developed on the Google Earth Engine platform, a cloud-based geospatial processing platform that enables the use of satellite imagery to create a variety of data-processing applications. The app allows high-speed, cost-effective and highly accurate monitoring of aquatic plants through satellite image analysis. The application automatically identifies watercourses using various spectral indices designed to extract water bodies from satellite images. Sewilam asserted the importance of leveraging modern technology to support the ministry's work and optimize the management of water resources. He noted that the ability to continuously monitor the spread of water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds through satellite-based tools would allow ministry officials to take swift and informed decisions to manage and remove these invasive species. The application also plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency by detecting any potential manipulation in work reports or discrepancies in the recorded volumes of removed vegetation during cleaning operations, he said.
Egypt Independent
17-07-2025
- Egypt Independent
Three scenarios for Nile water flowing to Egypt soon amid Ethiopian Dam operations: Water expert
Cairo University Geology and Water Resources Professor Abbas Sharaqi stated that there are three possibilities for Nile water to begin flowing towards Sudan and Egypt soon, following Ethiopia's closure of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's (GERD) gates. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Sharaqi explained that Ethiopia has opened the gates of the Tekeze Dam on the Atbara River, while the GERD remains closed for water storage. He noted that water from the Tekeze Dam flows towards the Upper Atbara and Setit dams, then to the Khashm al-Girba Dam in Sudan, and from there into the main Nile River, eventually reaching Lake Nasser in Egypt. The Atbara River in Ethiopia contributes approximately 11 billion cubic meters of water annually to the Nile, he said, accounting for about 13 percent of the river's total flow. He clarified that its storage capacity is roughly nine billion cubic meters. The GERD reservoir is also nearing its previous storage level of 60 billion cubic meters at an elevation of 638 meters, he said, which is expected within a few days. The current water reserve stands at approximately 58 billion cubic meters at an elevation of 637 meters. Sharaqi then outlined three scenarios that Ethiopia is likely to adopt shortly: Opening the GERD Spillway Gates: Ethiopia might begin opening the spillway gates, as it did last year, to allow water to pass towards Sudan and Egypt. Overtopping the Middle Section: The gates could remain closed to test the flow of water over the dam's middle section after the GERD reservoir is completely filled. Flow through Turbines (Least Likely): The least probable scenario is that water will pass through the power-generating turbines. Professor Sharaqi noted that the GERD reservoir requires an additional four billion cubic meters of water to reach full storage capacity. This volume could be collected within a week, given the current inflow rate of approximately 300 million cubic meters per day. He further stated: 'Water is expected to flow from the spillway gates within days, or over the middle section by the end of this month, while the operation of the turbines remains unlikely.' 'In all scenarios, water will flow towards Sudan and Egypt, and the High Dam is fully prepared for the arrival of water at any time, whether from the turbines, spillway gates, or over the middle section.' Tensions remain Earlier in July, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had announced that the GERD's construction was complete and it would be inaugurated next September after the summer rainy season subsides. He extended an invitation to Egypt and Sudan to attend the opening ceremony. In response, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated that Egypt categorically rejects Ethiopia's continued imposition of a fait accompli through unilateral actions concerning the Nile River, viewing it instead as a shared international water resource. According to a ministry statement, Ethiopia has consistently promoted the completion of the dam despite failing to reach a binding agreement with the downstream nations and the fundamental reservations expressed by both Egypt and Sudan. He added that this reflects Ethiopia's approach based on a mindset that, 'Seeks to impose water hegemony instead of embracing the principle of partnership and cooperation—something the Egyptian state will not permit.' Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated, 'Our position has not changed at all; Egypt will not allow any harm regarding the Nile River waters.' He stressed the necessity of translating Ethiopia's statements into a written document that regulates the future relationship between the two countries and guarantees the rights of future generations.
Egypt Independent
18-06-2025
- Egypt Independent
Egypt faces exceptional water challenges: Irrigation Minister
Egypt's Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Hani Sewilam, called for enhanced cooperation amongst the Nile Basin countries to implement the principles of the 'water, food, energy, and ecosystems nexus', ensuring mutual benefits for all involved. In his speech at the opening of the training program workshop for Mediterranean countries, 'Financing Climate Projects to Implement Water, Food, Energy, and Ecosystems Nexus Projects,' he added that the Arab region is one of the most water-scarce regions in the world. He explained that 19 of the 22 Arab countries suffer from water scarcity, more than 90 percent of the population of Arab countries faces critical levels of water scarcity, and that 21 Arab countries rely on shared international water resources. Sewilam warned that Egypt in particular faces exceptional water challenges due to its low rainfall rates and its status as one of the driest countries in the world. It relies almost entirely on the Nile River to meet more than 97 percent of its water needs. These challenges are compounded by rising temperatures and the accompanying increase in water consumption, he warned. The Minister of Irrigation explained that, in the face of these challenges, it has become necessary to transition to the 'Second Generation Irrigation System 2.0,' which seeks to rely more heavily on modern technology in water management. Sewilam referred to the use of satellite imagery, mathematical models, and drone photography to calculate crop composition and improve water management and distribution. He also highlighted the modernization of water facilities, such as the the High Dam and the Aswan Reservoir, the expansion of smart irrigation systems, and the shift to water distribution using discharges instead of levels. Egypt is continuing its plans to expand the treatment and reuse of agricultural drainage water, he said, alongside using environmentally friendly natural materials to protect beaches and rehabilitate canals, and govern groundwater using digital databases.
