By Abbas Nazil
Egypt and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in water resource management and the modernization of irrigation systems, following a high-level meeting between Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, and Dutch Ambassador to Cairo, Peter Mollema.
The meeting, held on Monday, centered on reviewing the progress of ongoing joint water projects and identifying new avenues for collaboration in sustainable water development.
Key discussions revolved around the project titled “Modernizing Irrigation Technologies to Improve Smallholder Livelihoods in Upper Egypt,” which is being implemented in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and financed by the Dutch government.
Sewilam and Mollema highlighted the urgency of speeding up the implementation of this project, especially in the targeted governorates of Assiut, Sohag, and Qena, where traditional irrigation practices remain prevalent.
Minister Sewilam emphasized the critical importance of raising awareness among local farmers through practical workshops and on-site field sessions that would showcase the advantages of modern irrigation technologies.
According to him, such initiatives are essential in helping farmers understand how advanced irrigation methods can lead to better crop yields, higher incomes, and improved agricultural product quality.
The meeting also included plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Egypt and the Dutch organization Invest International to carry out a feasibility study on specific vulnerable areas along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
These locations, referred to as “hotspots,” would be evaluated for potential protection using sand nourishment methods that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
This initiative is part of Egypt’s growing interest in adopting nature-based solutions to coastal protection, especially as climate change continues to pose serious threats to coastal communities and ecosystems.
Additionally, preparations are in full swing for the celebration of 50 years of bilateral cooperation in water management between Egypt and the Netherlands, which dates back to the establishment of the Egyptian-Dutch Advisory Panel on Water Management in 1975.
Commemorative events are being planned to coincide with the upcoming 8th Cairo Water Week scheduled for October this year.
Both sides also discussed the renewal of an existing memorandum of understanding for the Egyptian-Dutch High Committee on Water.
This committee has long served as the primary framework guiding joint efforts in water resource management, coastal zone protection, and climate change adaptation.
The continued collaboration between Egypt and the Netherlands is seen as vital for enhancing Egypt’s water security and building resilience against climate-related challenges.
The latest meeting further solidifies the long-standing partnership and shared vision between the two nations in addressing water issues through innovation, investment, and community engagement.
