Urban resilience and stormwater management: Lessons learnt from New Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

In response to the extreme rainfall events that led to economic losses and undesirable impacts in New Cairo, Egypt, a pilot project is implemented using Green Infrastructure (GI) strategies for stormwater management to provide an adaptive solution. The paper aims to share lessons learned from the pilot project to improve stormwater management in a sustainable cost-effective manner. New Cairo GI project is documented through site visits and an interview with the project’s technical manager. An experts’ survey investigated the main drivers, barriers, and enabling factors for implementing green infrastructure projects in Egypt. Results show the learning loops of the New Cairo pilot project, drivers, barriers and enabling factors. Results from the experts’ survey showed that GI environmental benefits and the cost of damages are the main drivers while involvement of planners with the right expertise is the main enabling factor. Recommendations based on the survey results and lessons learned are introduced.

Keywords

• Green infrastructure
• Sustainable stormwater management
• Learning by doing
• Pilot project
• Adaptive management
• New Cairo