mapping of the impact of sea level rise on arab states

Mohamed El Raey

University of Alexandria

Regional Center for Disaster Risk Reduction

Impacts include:1.Direct inundation2.Salt water intrusion3.Soil Salinization4.Impacts of extreme events such as surges and flash floods

04/20/23Prof El Raey 2

Population and population density

Land useUrban structures Industrial structures


1. All Arab countries are highly vulnerable with varying magnitudes. Many such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Emirates,

Tunisia and Morocco have realized the seriousness of these impacts to their economy and have started steps towards

adaptation and risk reduction and many have just started.

2. Excessive coastal urbanization, oil and groundwater extraction especially in high population densities areas and gulf

countries, constitutes serious risk to coasts and coastal properties, especially in the absence of accurate data and

information on coastal land subsidence

3. No systematic observations on coastal land subsidence and changes especially of areas subject to excessive petroleum

and gas extraction. There is a high shortage of human capacity in most countries

4. Increasing severity and frequency of extreme events constitute a serious threat to the coastal and non-coastal

communities due to increasing rates of droughts, flash floods and heat waves. Very limited institutional capacities for

risk reduction already exist.

5. The shortage of systematic observation systems, lack of awareness and weak enforcement of environmental

regulations constitute basic obstacles for proper implementation of proactive planning for sustainable development

6. Many decision makers take advantage of uncertainties of sea level rise not to take strategic decisions. However, it

should be noted that all required decisions are needed whether we have a sea level rise or not. All countries should

take action for adaptation the sooner the better.


1. A Regional integrated center for climate change and risk assessment has been established

(RCDRR) and needs to be supported for development of data base and systematic observations

of the region. The center should be capable to provide data and information to researchers

2. A data base of systematic observation of sea level parameters such as sea level, storm surges,

water and soil salinity, coastal temperatures and phytoplankton, erosional pattern and coastal

socioeconomic parameters, must be established

3. Systematic observations of land subsidence has to be carried out by radar imagery

interferometry in coastal areas of oil extraction to identify and assess rates of land subsidence

and vulnerability to sea level rise

4. Encouraging and supporting research and building capacities in the lines of systematic

observations, time series analysis, modelling, water desalination and wastewater treatment ,

salt tolerant plants, extreme events and awareness programs for vulnerable communities

5. Upgrading awareness and building national capacities


mapping of the impact of sea level rise on arab states

Documents

coastal temperatures

coastal properties

serious risk

excessive coastal urbanization

sea level rise

risk assessment

development of data

disaster risk reductionprof