Water governance: Reimaging water governance to ensure long-term water security in Egypt

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Water governance: Reimaging water governance to ensure long-term water security in Egypt

Egypt’s historical dependence on the Nile for water security, once seemingly guaranteed by the High Aswan Dam, is now severely threatened by a confluence of factors. Rapid population growth, rising living standards, and the adverse impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and saline intrusion, have drastically increased water demand and decreased availability. Agriculture, consuming the vast majority of water resources, is particularly vulnerable. Uncertainty surrounding Nile flows, exacerbated by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events further complicate the situation. Egypt must fundamentally reimagine its water management practices, developing a long-term, adaptable plan that prioritizes increased efficiency across all sectors, reduces water intensity per GDP, and restructures research efforts to leverage advanced technologies. While the expertise exists to achieve this transformation, strong and sustained political support is crucial for its success.

Cecilia Tortajada and Asit K. Biswas

Think Tanks in Brief, The Egyptian Cabinet, December 20, 2024

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