Zeina ElZein: Arab world promoting nature-based solutions to housing crisis

Arab countries are promoting nature-based solutions as a key tool for sustainable urban development amid climate risks, water scarcity, and accelerated urbanization, Zeina ElZein, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design at Capital University in Egypt, said at an event during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

She noted that countries in the Arab region, in particular, are facing challenges such as accelerated urban growth, climate change, water scarcity, environmental degradation, and, in some cases, armed conflict and forced displacement.

ElZein recalled that the Islamic Development Bank, together with UN-Habitat, launched a new joint publication aimed at promoting practical and scalable approaches to addressing urban and climate challenges in the Arab region.

She noted that the study's goal was not only to collect information but also to develop a regional understanding of the concept of nature-based solutions, taking into account local contexts.

According to ElZein, the publication highlights four key categories: water management and sustainability; coastal and marine ecosystem restoration; urban greening and climate change adaptation; and agroecology and sustainable land use.

"These areas reflect the real priorities of cities in the region – combating water scarcity, urban overheating, flooding, ecosystem restoration, and improving quality of life," she emphasized.

The expert also noted that many nature-based approaches have historically been applied in the Arab world.

"For example, water management systems in Oman, traditional water distribution channels in Morocco, and climate-resilient practices in Algeria," added Zeina ElZein.