New desert city could impact wildlife and ecosystems in Egypt

Egypt has announced a plan on Sunday to build a desert city called Jirian, which could harm wildlife in the country. The project will receive 7% of the country’s annual Nile River water supply.

This large-scale development is part of a government effort to boost land value, attract investment, and support Egypt’s struggling economy. But experts and environmentalists are raising concerns about the impact on animals and ecosystems.

The city, located 42 kilometers west of Cairo, planned to cover 6.8 million square meters, will include luxury housing, commercial areas, a yacht marina, and a free economic zone.

It will also connect to a major agricultural project, the New Delta, which spans 2.28 million acres of desert. About 10 million cubic meters of Nile water will be diverted daily to support the city and farming.

Environmental risks

Diverting this much water away from the Nile Delta, one of Egypt’s most fertile and biodiverse regions, could damage existing ecosystems. The Delta supports many species of fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

With less water flowing to these areas, wetlands could dry up, threatening the habitats of wild animals.

Changes in water availability can also harm fish breeding cycles and reduce the food supply for birds and other animals. Some species may migrate or die out if the environment becomes too dry or polluted due to large-scale construction and farming.

Desert wildlife at risk

Turning desert land into farmland and housing also affects the animals already living there. These include desert foxes, snakes, lizards, insects, and rare migratory birds.

Construction and human activity often destroy or fragment their habitats, making it harder for them to find food and shelter.

Sustainability questions

While the government calls the project “innovative,” critics argue that it may not be sustainable. Egypt is already one of the most water-scarce countries in the world.

Using Nile water for real estate and desert farming may bring short-term economic gains, but it could create long-term problems for people, animals, and the environment.