Issuance of the first global map of the most important coastal, coastal protection projects

This map forms part of a large project to collect the initiatives and solutions undertaken by countries in the field of coastal protection and put them in the hands of decision makers, experts and interested parties.

On the 29th of last October , the global platform " Ocean and Climate " issued a global map, the first of its kind; It brings together the various solutions adopted by the countries of the world to confront the threat of rising sea levels or coastal erosion and other environmental problems.

It has become necessary for the countries of the world bordering on the seas and oceans to take the necessary measures to preserve the coastal environment of their cities and to face the various dangers facing them, such as the sea level rise, which may exceed a meter by the year 2100.

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The platform has reviewed the ocean and climate successful and inspiring solutions that worked by some countries or are still working on them, and in this map within the global project called " Cities " (Sea'ties) , launched by the platform name "solutions map".

The Ocean and Climate Platform is considered one of the most important global scientific gatherings in the field of seas and oceans. It was established on June 8, 2014, on the occasion of World Oceans Day, with the support of the Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, and its membership currently includes 97 members among scientific research centers and institutes in various countries. Countries of the world.

Sustainable solutions for every city

This map presents - according to what was stated in the press release issued by the platform - 70 initiatives that can constitute solutions to coastal problems in various cities of the world, such as high salinity, how to deal with strong waves, as well as rising sea levels.

According to the statement, this map is for decision makers, those responsible for preparing coastal cities, and those interested in preparing the coasts. It offers them solutions that have replaced previous successful experiences, and it also constitutes a space for exchanging experiences.

The statement added that enhancing cities' resilience and adapting them to upcoming risks is a path that is being built over time and on many levels, and requires political will and the involvement of many sectors in this process.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that the world's population expects much from the 26th World Climate Summit held in Glasgow; Because one of its main objectives is to raise the aspirations of countries in the field of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by significant rates to reduce the effects of climate change, of which sea level rise is one of the most prominent risks to coastal cities.

"This map forms part of a large project to collect the initiatives and solutions undertaken by countries in the field of coastal protection, and put them in the hands of decision-makers, experts and those interested in the field of preparing the coast, which are realistic solutions."

He added, "We are also planning to organize a conference early next year for the North African region, to shed light on the most important solutions and initiatives that have been implemented in the region, within the framework of a program that includes 5 regional scientific conferences in various regions of the world."

In Arab Countries

The platform has listed solutions implemented by some Arab countries - such as the UAE, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco - pending the inclusion of more initiatives and solutions in various Arab countries. "So far, we have identified some initiatives in the Arab region, and in the future we will work to include other initiatives in other countries," Bongaerts said.

Among the pioneering solutions offered by the platform was what was done by Madinat Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates, which was facing the risk of eroding its coast, which was retreating by two meters or more every year. The urban development department in the city resorted to the well-known traditional solution to treat these cases, which is collecting stones and sand and piling them on the coast, which is a very expensive process.

In 2011, the city adopted a new scientific strategy, represented in the construction of large drainage channels that were installed in a way that prevents erosion, and after 3 years of implementing the strategy, it was found that coastal erosion had stopped completely by 100%.

Among the projects listed by the platform on the Arab region is the “COGITO” project, which was launched in 2018 by the MedPAN Foundation, which is the “Network of Marine Reserves Managers in the Mediterranean Basin”. The project aims to enhance the sustainable management capabilities of marine reserves in all regions. From Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Lebanon in addition to Turkey and Albania.

The platform also reviewed the Tunisian experience in protecting coastal areas from erosion and salinity in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNEP) within a project that was launched in 2014 and ends at the end of this year.

One of the results of this project is the preparation of an integrated plan to monitor the island of Djerba, based mainly on satellite images, in return for providing financial support to 5 local NGOs to contribute closely to the preservation of the coastal environment.