Latest news with #Irrigation2.0
Daily News Egypt
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches vocational irrigation schools, scales up Nile hyacinth recycling initiative
Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is advancing two ambitious initiatives designed to modernize water infrastructure and promote sustainable development: the launch of vocational schools specializing in irrigation technology and the expansion of a programme that recycles invasive Nile hyacinth into marketable products. Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam chaired a meeting this week with senior officials, including Salwa Aboulala, head of the Regional Training Center for Water Resources, to assess progress on both fronts. The session focused on plans to establish a new generation of technical schools that combine academic coursework with hands-on training in areas such as modern irrigation systems, drainage, AI applications, land surveying, and pump maintenance. 'These schools will help build a highly skilled workforce capable of managing Egypt's water systems with cutting-edge technology,' Sewilam said, adding that the initiative supports the national 'Irrigation 2.0' strategy for water sector modernization. The meeting also reviewed progress in the Ministry's Nile hyacinth recycling programme, which aims to transform the fast-growing aquatic plant—long regarded as an environmental nuisance—into an economic resource. Since its inception, the initiative has held 16 training workshops across four governorates, reaching nearly 400 participants, many of them women, who have learned to produce handicrafts from harvested hyacinth. The recycling programme is part of the broader 'Sustainable Development from the Heart of the Nile' initiative, which seeks to empower women and youth through environmentally friendly microenterprises. In addition to technical training, participants receive support in marketing their products via social media and trade fairs. A permanent workshop has also been established at the training center to facilitate continuous production and skill-building. Looking ahead, the ministry is exploring the commercial potential of converting dried hyacinth into biofuel, charcoal, and particleboard—creating new job and investment opportunities while reducing waste and ecological impact. Sewilam emphasized the importance of partnering with international donors and private investors to expand the project's reach. He also called for closer collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower to connect programme graduates with green job opportunities and to develop domestic and export markets for hyacinth-based goods. 'These efforts not only address environmental challenges but also support the green economy, foster social inclusion, and enhance climate resilience,' he said.
Daily News Egypt
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt urges regional water cooperation at 5th Baghdad International Water Conference
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, called for enhanced regional cooperation and responsible management of shared water resources during his keynote address at the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference on Saturday. He emphasized that access to water should never be politicized or exploited as leverage in conflicts. Speaking at the opening session in Iraq's capital, Sewilam praised Iraq for hosting a pivotal platform for Arab water dialogue. This year's conference, themed 'Water and Technology: A Partnership for Development,' underscores the urgent need to harness modern technologies to confront mounting water challenges globally and regionally. 'More than 90% of the Arab population lives under critical water scarcity,' Sewilam said, noting that 21 countries in the region rely on transboundary water sources, with over 60% of available water originating outside the Arab world. These facts highlight the vital importance of adhering to international water law principles—such as prior notification, data sharing, and the obligation not to cause harm. The minister pointed to rapid population growth, rising temperatures, and declining rainfall as key drivers of desertification, which exceeds 60% in some Arab countries. A joint UNESCO-ACSAD report estimates the region's water deficit could reach 261 billion cubic meters by 2030 unless urgent action is taken. 'Egypt categorically rejects the use of water as a tool for political pressure,' Sewilam declared, affirming water as a fundamental human right and urging that it should foster cooperation rather than conflict. He expressed deep concern over the systematic destruction of water infrastructure in Gaza, warning that it worsens the humanitarian crisis and jeopardizes water security for millions. Highlighting the indispensable role of technology in water management, Sewilam outlined Egypt's strategic approach, which emphasizes achieving 'more output with fewer resources' through efficiency, equity, and innovation. He detailed Egypt's water strategy, including the adoption of desalination technologies for large-scale food production and proactive measures to address the impacts of population growth and climate change. Under Egypt's second-generation water management framework, Irrigation 2.0, the country is implementing expansive projects focused on water treatment and reuse—such as the New Delta, Bahr El-Baqar, and Al-Mahsama plants—alongside digital transformation, smart governance, canal rehabilitation, and institutional capacity building. Sewilam also called on regional and international stakeholders to support the upcoming 8th Cairo Water Week, scheduled for October 12–16, 2025. The event, themed 'Innovative Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Water Sustainability,' will feature joint ministerial meetings of Arab water and agriculture leaders to promote integrated solutions for water security. Concluding his remarks, the minister urged Arab states to adopt innovative and alternative water management approaches—including reuse, clean energy-powered systems, and climate-resilient agriculture—to bridge the widening gap between limited water resources and escalating demand across the region.
