Aya Mohanna: Issue of integrating climate risks becoming key for countries in Arab region

The issue of integrating climate risks into urban planning and economic development is becoming a key issue for countries in the Arab region, Aya Mohanna, resilience and disaster risk reduction specialist at the UNDP Regional Bureau for the Arab States, said at the event "Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Arab Cities: From Local Actions to Urban Transformation" at WUF13 in Baku, Report informs.

"Effective initiatives in the area of ​​nature-based solutions and climate change adaptation demonstrate best results when they are considered not as a stand-alone environmental policy, but as part of comprehensive urban development," she said.

Mohanna emphasized that climate risk issues must be integrated into water resource management, urban planning, land use, and economic and social processes.

She noted that risks affect all spheres of life and cannot be considered in isolation. She cited the impact of floods, which damage infrastructure and cultural heritage, as examples. She also mentioned the impact of extreme heat on energy systems and labor productivity, as well as the impact of water scarcity on food security and people's quality of life.

The UNDP representative also cited examples of ongoing projects in the region: "In Egypt, a project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, which combines nature-based solutions with a coastal zone management system and climate data for long-term development planning."

She also mentioned the Sharm el-Sheikh greening initiative, noting that the project aims not only to achieve environmental goals but also to support the tourism sector and the city's investment appeal.

"Furthermore, UNDP is preparing a program in Somalia that will cover 17 cities and combine 'sponge city' approaches, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure development with the participation of businesses, as well as women and youth. This approach allows for a direct link between climate change adaptation measures and economic resilience and development at the local level," she added.