In an ambitious attempt to tackle its demographic challenges, Egypt has launched a groundbreaking project aimed at transforming its desert landscape into a habitable area suitable for agriculture and urban settlement.
With less than 4 percent of its land deemed habitable, the task of accommodating 113.5 million people within such a limited space has proven to be a formidable challenge for the North African nation.
In comparison, Egypt’s struggle with population density becomes starkly evident when contrasted with countries like Switzerland, which boasts a similar land mass but sustains a population of merely 8.7 million.
In search of a solution to this dilemma, Egypt’s proposal involves converting the desert region in the Qattara Depression into a liveable environment.
The focal point of this revolutionary initiative is the construction of a 55 km canal, often referred to as Egypt’s ‘mini Suez Canal’, which will channel water from the Mediterranean Sea into the heart of the desert.
Once completed, this engineering wonder will result in the flooding of the Qattara Depression, creating a sprawling 20,000-square-kilometre lake.
The implications of this transformation are predicted to be profound. The substantial evaporation of water from the newly formed lake is expected to significantly increase humidity levels and rainfall in the surrounding areas.
The previously barren lands could potentially transform into fertile grounds, paving the way for agricultural advancements and the creation of new settlements along the waterfront. The continuous flow of water also presents a significant opportunity for hydroelectric power generation, which is expected to be a key economic driver for the project.
Egypt’s ambitious plan aims to utilise the power of water to not only address its population challenges but also establish a self-sustaining ecosystem that propels growth and development.
However, the proposed project has elicited mixed reactions from experts and the public.
While some laud Egypt’s innovative approach to tackling its population and resource management issues, others express concerns about the environmental impact and feasibility of such a massive endeavour.
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