| Themes | urban climate resilience; just transition; resilience analysis; vulnerability assessment; participatory action planning; future scenario planning; training |
| Client | GIZ Egypt |
| Duration | 11 July 2023 - 31 December 2023 |
| Countries | Egypt |
| IHS Contact | David Dodman, Maartje van Eerd, Niema AlHessen and Somesh Sharma |
Local context
The Nile Delta region in Egypt faces critical challenges due to the impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels, coastal flooding, and extreme weather events. These environmental threats increase the vulnerability of densely populated coastal communities, public infrastructure, and agriculture, vital for the region's food security. Water scarcity, driven by decreased rainfall and changing hydrological patterns, further exacerbates the situation, affecting both agriculture and drinking water supplies. The region's ecological balance is also at risk, with climate change threatening wetlands and coastal ecosystems that are crucial for biodiversity and natural protection. Amidst these challenges, the dense population, rapid urbanisation, and socio-economic inequalities in the region compound the difficulties, making socially just and climate-resilient development a pressing need.
About the training
The "Capacity Building through Urban Infrastructure Development" (CBUID) project addresses the above-mentioned issues by strengthening the capacity of Egyptian national and local governments to develop climate-resilient and socially just urban plans, with support from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The training was delivered to 20 senior governmental officials representing the Urban Development Fund (UDF), the General Organization of Policy and Planning (GoPP) and the Local Governorates of Alexandria and Beheira in Egypt. The training aimed to empower Egyptian national and local governments to address climate change risks while improving social cohesion in vulnerable urban areas. Guided by the concept of 'Just Transition, ' participants had the opportunity to acquire technical knowledge in various areas, including risk-informed urban planning, collaborative planning, social cohesion and vulnerability assessments, and urban climate adaptation solutions.
The fundamentals of urban climate resilience
The training was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate urban climate resilience into their planning and design strategies. Over the course of five days, the programme provided a comprehensive understanding of critical concepts such as climate resilience, vulnerability assessment, and the creation of risk-adapted urban planning strategies. Participants were also introduced to the importance of enhancing social cohesion and adaptive capacity within local communities, recognising that these elements are crucial for fostering resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Each day of the workshop was dedicated to a specific topic, allowing participants to progressively build their understanding and apply new skills. The first day focused on the foundational principles of climate resilience and urban development, setting the stage for more in-depth discussions on assessing vulnerability and ensuring a just transition on the second day. The following days were devoted to developing practical strategies for risk-adapted planning, fostering social cohesion, and, ultimately, planning collaborative actions. By the end of the workshop, participants were better equipped to formulate and implement strategies that enhance the resilience of urban areas, addressing the challenges posed by climate change in a holistic and collaborative approach.
Our partners
The workshop was Implemented by GIZ Egypt in cooperation with The Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities (MoHUUC), represented by the General Organisation for Physical Planning (GOPP) and the Urban Development Fund (UDF). The European Union (EU) and Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) co-funded the project.