Contents

Preface

Background Historical

Executive Summary

The Project The Environmental Assessment Environmental Setting of the Project Physical and Biological Environment Historic Environment and Cultural Heritage Socio-Economic Environment Positive Impacts Negative Project Impacts Project Location Impacts Project Design Impacts Project Construction Impacts Project Operation Impacts Secondary Negative Impacts Mitigating Measures Monitoring Plan Recommended Policy Steps ... for more information contact

BACKGROUND

Following is the executive summary of the World Bank/Arab Republic of Egypt (1992): Northern Sinai Agricultural Development Project Environmental Impact Assessment, prepared by Euroconsult (Arnhem, the Netherlands) in association with Pacer and Darwish Engineers (Cairo, Egypt), released January 1992. It includes 2 volumes; Volume 1 - Main report that occupies 158 pages and Volume II - Annexes, includes: (numbers between brackets represent number of pages)

• Annex B. Nature Conservation (69)
• Annex C. Land Use (52)
• Annex D. Fisheries (16)
• Annex E. Sociology (47)
• Annex F. Public Health (27)
• Annex G. Pest Control (19)
• Annex H. Archeology (23)

The EIA report was prepared on behalf of the International Bank for Reconstruction and development, in accordance with World Bank Operational Directive OD4.00. It was financed by the Japanese Government from the Japanese Technical Assistance Trust Fund for the Environment.

HISTORICAL

In 1986, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR) prepared a Land Master Plan (LMP) which, on the basis of the soil types and availability of water resources, identified priority areas covering about 1.2 million feddan with prospects for economically viable agriculture development. Some 250,000 feddan in North Sinai were identified by the LMP.

In 1989, the General Authority for Reclamation Projects and Agricultural Development's (GARPAD) Project Preparation Unit, with the assistance of Atkins, prepared a feasibility study for the NSADP for 265,000 (gross) feddan (Figure 1), as a first stage for agricultural development of desert land in North Sinai. To support development of the proposed project, the FAO Investment Center/World Bank prepared a detailed project preparation report in 1989.

In 1990, a Migratory Bird Study has been carried out by a team of consultants from the International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP, Cambridge, England) to review the ornithological importance of Lake Bardawil and to examine the likely impacts of the proposed NSADP on bird populations and bird habitats. The findings and recommendations of this study were published in 1991 and at the disposal of the EIA Consultants.

In 1990, at the request of North Sinai Governorate, an additional 135,000 (gross) feddan in the El Sir and Kawarir plains south of El-Arish were identified for NSADP. In 1991, GARPAD updated the 1989 feasibility study including the new extension.

In 1991, on the advice of a Presidential Council (appointed to supervise the project) the responsibility of the project implementation was transferred from the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation to the Minister of Public Works and Water Resources (MPWWR). A Project Design Unit was established with Headquarters in Qantara el Shark.

1. THE PROJECT:

The North Sinai Agricultural Development Project (NSADP) as proposed by the Egyptian Government envisages the reclamation of an estimated 400,000 feddan gross (170,000 ha) of desert situated along the Mediterranean coast of Sinai. The project aims at increasing agricultural production through agricultural and stock development, improving income distribution, and generating employment through the settlement of smallholders and graduates from among the rural population of the over-populated areas of Egypt. The project area consists of 5 five reclamation blocks. Block 1, the Tina Plain (60,000 feddan) has a special character because of the heavy saline clay soils. Blocks 2-4 (South Qantara, Raba'a and Bir el Abd) consist of mainly deep sandy soils (totalling 205,000 feddan). Block 5 includes a potential extension area (El SIr and Kawarir) of 135,000 feddan consisting of loamy soils situated between 50 and 150 m asl, which implies a high energy demand for lifting water. No decision has been taken as yet with regard to the development of the last block.

The infrastructure for the first four blocks would cater for the settlement of 21,600 families. The source of irrigation water will be the River Nile (50%) mixed with reuse drainage water from the Serw and Hadous drains in the Nile Delta. Water will be delivered through the El Salam Canal, which will cross the Suez Canal by means of a 1.3 km long syphon and an eastward extension of the canal of about 80 km into Sinai. Extension of the project to Block 5 may require the construction of a 30 km tunnel through an area with active dunes and of a number of pumping stations to lift the water to the potential extension area, which is situated at considerably higher elevations than the first four blocks.

The project area is divided over three administrative regions: the Port Said Governorate (10%), the Ismailiya Governorate (20%) and the North Sinai Governorate (70%).

2. THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

This report presents the results of an assessment of environmental impacts of the NSADP, commissioned by the World Bank and financed by the Japanese Government. The report is based on studies during the second half of 1991 carried out by a team of Euroconsult of the Netherlands in conjunction with the Egyptian Pacer/Darwish Consulting Engineers. Fieldwork was undertaken during the period August - October 1991. The purpose of the assignment was to identify the impacts of the project on the physical, biological and social environment of the region, and to work out mitigating measures in order to reduce or minimize possible negative effects so that planning, design and implementation of this ambitious land reclamation project, which has far reaching consequences for the development of North Sinai, may be prepared in an environmentally sound fashion. The World Bank's environmental assessment procedure has been followed.

The report includes a description of the proposed project, presents base-line information concerning physical, biological and socio-economic conditions in North Sinai and predicts potential positive and negative environmental impacts. Subsequently, outlines of feasible mitigatory measures are given, followed by proposals for environmental monitoring.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE PROJECT:

3.1. Physical and Biological Environment:

The project is situated in the arid coastal zone of the Sinai Desert. Present, scarce water resources are rainfall (below 100 mm/year) and groundwater. Groundwater is available in limited quantities in shallow and deep aquifers and is often saline (2000-8000 ppm). The flow of the shallow aquifer is towards the north in the direction of Lake Bardawil and the coast.

The project area is home to a rich and varied flora and fauna. Some 17 endemic plant species have been recorded in the inland desert of North Sinai. A number of mammal and reptile species occur with a limited regional distribution. The geographical position of the Sinai, a land bridge between the continents Eurasia and Africa, makes it a prime bottleneck for migratory birds. In particular the lakes of Bardawil and El Malaha (Lake Fouad) are of international conservation importance. The ecological significance of this coastal wetland is increasing due to the progressive degradation of comparable wetlands in the region. Large numbers of Palearctic migratory birds, rest and feed there in Spring and Autumn before they continue their long journey. A total of 91 migratory waterbird species which are considered to have vulnerable populations in the Mediterranean basin frequent Lake Bardawil. Important species are Slender-billed Cull and Greater Flamingo. For broad-winged birds like birds of prey and storks the Sinai is important flyway on their yearly migration to the South.

There are no wildlife sanctuaries within the project area, but the North Sinai region has two small natural protectorates: The Zaranik and the El Ahrash - El Shamalia area. Zaranik comprises the eastern part of the Lake Bardawil lagoon.

3.2. Historic Environment and Cultural Heritage:

The main archeological importance of Sinai is the wealth of information available in the area about the relation between the various world civilizations. There are no other places in Egypt or the Middle East, that has been influenced by so many varied cultures.

Throughout man's history, North Sinai has been a cultural land bridge between Asia and Africa. Numerous armies (more than 40) passed through Sinai and a continuous cultural intercourse took place. In the Middle and New Kingdom, the famous "Ways of Horus", a military and commercial road connection reinforced with forts and check posts, facilitated the economic and administrative expansion of the Egyptian empire under the pharaohs in the rest of the civilized world. The Tina Plain was a prosperous agricultural area harboring a network of irrigation and navigation canals, belonging to the oldest in the world. Also during the Persian and Classical period the area was frequently travelled and wide variety of settlements, buildings, objects and other traces were left behind of several civilizations of the Levant, Asia and Europe. This continued during the Byzantine period, the Middle Ages and the Arab period.

Hardly any systematic surveys have been made so far, except one during the Israeli occupation. Most of the unique scientific evidence, therefore, and many unknown treasures are still covered under the sands and will be lost if no measures are taken.

The population of North Sinai is mainly of Bedouin origin, although many urban inhabitants are non-Bedouin. Only a minority of the Bedouin still practice the traditional life- style, which is adapted to the desert environment, most have settled in rural communities. There is a strong local cultural consciousness under the Bedouin tribes in Sinai, which is reflected in the preservation of values and traditions and in the customary law which is still applied with the consent of the Egyptian administration. There is a growing official recognition of the uniqueness of the cultural and tribal diversity of North Sinai. This has led a.o. to the founding of an organization for the preservation of cultural heritage, an etnographic museum, and various publications on specific aspects of Bedouin culture (e.g. customary law) etc.

3.3. Socio-Economic Environment:

The population of the project area numbers over 50,000 (47,000 persons 1988 figure). Most people live in Bir el Abd and Hasana district. Many have settled in the villages along the main El Qantarra - El Arish road, where there is direct access to piped water. A wide range of economic activities is found in the region, the most relevant being agriculture (both traditional rainfed agriculture and modern drip irrigation) and livestock rearing. Date trees are still important for the Bedouin farmers. Agricultural statistics are scanty; the impression is that the area under drip irrigation has increased considerably during the last 5 years. Vegetables (tomato, cucumber and melon) and fruit trees (olives) are important crops.

Lake Bardawil is one of the best fishing areas in Egypt and about 3000 fishermen and their families around the lake depend on this activity. There are four fishery cooperatives. Recently the activities have been expanded and there is export of high-priced fish to other Mediterranean countries.

Industrial activities are limited to a local mine in Meghara and salt winning in the natural protectorate of Zaranik. Other activities in the area includes hunting (waterfowl) and bird harvesting (quail and falcon).

4. POSITIVE IMPACTS:

The project is likely to generate the following positive impacts:

• improved socio-economic conditions.
• improved land tenure and land registration.
• development of new agro-ecological habitats; and
• fixation of moving sand dunes.

1. Improved Socio-Economic Conditions:
   Besides the reclamation of desert land to increase agricultural production, the establishment of settlement infrastructure will result in the availability of more educational facilities, health services, power supply, communication services, and roads. The improved facilities will have a great positive spin-off on the new settlers and the indigenous population alike.
2. Land Tenure and Land Registration:
   The project will have a high positive impact regarding land rights for the settlers, a majority of the settlers being currently landless. The impact for the indigenous population is expected to be equally positive as they will register their traditional grazing areas and rainfed agriculture lands for tenureship.
3. Development of New Agro-Ecological Habitats:
   As the project area is along the main flyway routes of a large number of migratory birds, the new agricultural land will attract numerous bird species on migration to rest and feed before they continue their long arduous journey over the Sinai and Sahara. The area will also attract resident fauna and flora from the Nile Valley.
4. Fixation of Moving Sand Dunes: Desert reclamation, irrigation, and the development of green belts and wind breaks will have a profound influence on the micro-climates in the project area and, as a result, will lead to reduction in sand dune encroachment and stabilization of moving sand dunes.

5. NEGATIVE PROJECT IMPACTS:

5.1. Project Location Impacts:

The most significant primary impacts related to project location are:

• loss of natural habitats and increased pressure on remaining wildlands;
• loss of known and unknown historical and archeological evidence;
• displacement of existing population and land use activities.

1. Loss of Natural Habitats and Increased Pressure on Remaining Wildlands:
   The desert reclamation scheme will lead to the loss of important habitats for flora and fauna communities, and as a result will have a negative impact on populations of flora and fauna elements which have a limited distribution range in the region.
2. Loss of Known and Unknown Historical and Archeological Evidence:
   Over 1,000 known archeological sites and numerous other sites and objects yet to be surveyed and excavated will be threatened with eradication unless a salvation operation is executed prior to project operation.
3. Displacement of Existing Population and Land Use Activities:
   No details are yet available about the project guidelines with regard to existing pastoral and farmer settlements within the project area. It seems that most of the indigenous people currently utilizing the project area for livestock raising and top drip irrigation and rainfed agriculture would lose their land and have to be resettled in other areas.

5.2. Project Design Impacts:

The most significant primary impacts related to the project design are:

• loss of traditional land rights and loss of cultural heritage;
• health risks due to import of polluted irrigation water.

1. Loss of Traditional Land Rights and Loss of Cultural Heritage:
   The location of the project in an area with traditional land rights under tribal, clan and/or family control, as well as the inequity of land allocation which is unfavorable from the local Bedouin point of view, will give rise to conflicts and tension between Bedouins and settlers. In addition, the project will impact negatively on the Bedouin nomadic life- style and their cultural heritage in general, but especially of those families living in Block 5.
2. Health Risks Due to Import of Polluted Irrigation Water:
   The water entering the project area is unfit for human consumption as it carries human, agricultural and industrial waste from the Hadous and Serw drains. An increase in incidence of infectious diseases and exposure of settlers and the indigenous population to allergenic and carcinogenic contaminants is therefore expected.

5.3 Project Construction Impacts

The most significant primary impact related to project construction is:

1. Destruction of Historical and Archeological Sites:
   The construction work is bound to have devastating impacts on archeological monuments and sites.

5.4. Project Operation Impacts:

The most significant primary impacts related to project operation are:

• crop yield reduction and salinity due to water shortage;
• increased seepage of contaminated groundwater into Lake Bardawil;
• increase in bird harvesting.

1. Crop Reduction and Salinity Due to Water Shortage:
   The project is likely to suffer from severe water shortage and a build-up of soil salinity leading to soil degradation. Water availability data for the project have been based on data from 1977 and have not been updated. Water shortage will result in salinization problems, reduced agricultural production and; eventually, in reduced farm income.
2. Increased Seepage of Contaminated Groundwater into Lake Bardawil:
   As groundwater tables will rise because of percolation of irrigation water, it is expected that a groundwater flow of contaminated water (containing pesticides and enriched with nutrients) will reach Lake Bardawil, and therefore bear impact on its water quality. Contamination of the lake's water will affect the quality of fish and endanger the fish export marketing prospect. Eutrophication may lead to diminishing fish production.
3. Increase in Bird Harvesting:
   Bird harvesting practices in North Sinai already have an impact on the population of birds of prey (mainly falcons) and quail. The massive population increase as a result of the project, may lead to an alarming increase in bird harvesting incidence.

5.5. Secondary Negative Impacts:

The primary impacts above will give rise to a series of secondary negative impacts. Significant examples are:

• increased pressures on surrounding wildlands;
• negative impact on local agriculture;
• contamination of local wells used for drinking water;
• introduction of new human, animal and plant diseases to Sinai;
• infestation with aquatic weeds.

6. MITIGATING MEASURES:

Without adaptation THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT WILL BE STRONGLY NEGATIVE. Practically impacts can, however, be prevented or their negative effects can be counteracted.

A total of 26 remedial and mitigatory measures have been proposed: 4 for project location, 11 for design, 1 for construction, and 10 for operation. These include the following major measures:

• compensation for loss of natural habitats;
• control of encroachment into natural protectorates;
• international rescue plan for archeology;
• prevention of new disease;
• improved feasibility of project design;
• recognition of existing land use, settlement and land rights.

1. Compensation for Loss of Natural Habitats:
   To prevent the irreversible elimination of unique plant and animal biodiversity and ecosystems, a network of protected areas in North Sinai needs to be established. High priority should be given to protect the El Malaha lagoon, the Gebel El Maghara, and the El Quntella - Ras el Nagab and El Qusayma areas. El Malaha lagoon qualifies as a Ramser site.
2. Control of Encroachment into Natural Protectorates:
   Encroachment can best be prevented by clearly determining the borders of the natural protectorate, strengthening the operation of the authorities in charge by training wardens, formulating a management and operational plan, and by establishing warden posts and other reserve infrastructure facilities.
3. International Rescue Plan for Archeology:
   An international salvation plan is proposed comprising the following steps: preparation of priority list of most critically endangered sites; complete systematic surveys to excavate, document and evaluate known and yet to be discovered sites; and establishment of an archeological museum in North Sinai.
4. Prevention of New Diseases:
   Improved public health can be reached by adequate and safe drinking water supply, proper environmental sanitation, prevention and control of diseases, health education, and through organized adequate medical and social services.
5. Improved Feasibility of Project Design:
   Areas with active dunes, land above 100 m asl, irregular topography or where sebkha's and impeded drainage occur are recommended to BE EXCLUDED from the project. WATER AVAILABILITY SHOULD BE REASSESSED.
6. Recognition of Existing Land Use, Settlement and Land Rights:
   Lack of project appraisal of the current land use activities of the local inhabitants, and lack of knowledge of their customary land ownership patterns should be rectified by further surveys. An in-depth study is also required to investigate the complex socio-economic aspects of the project. This study should elaborate detailed plans to offset the more critical negative impacts of the project.

   The report details steps for all identified mitigating measures, and where possible provides preliminary cost estimates.

7. MONITORING PLAN:

An environmental monitoring programme is proposed for the following aspects:

• quality of irrigation water and drainage effluents;
• hydrogeology and groundwater quality;
• system performance and salinity control;
• public health and efficiency of preventive measures;
• rangeland and grazing patterns;
• flora and fauna;
• crop and animal diseases.

8. RECOMMENDED POLICY STEPS:

We recommend the following policy steps to be taken:

1. The NSADP plan and project designs SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED and reviewed by the Egyptian government (possibly with the help of technical assistance) taking into consideration the deficiencies identified and the potential mitigating measures proposed.
2. The Egyptian government should prepare (and publish) detailed PLANS OF DRINKING WATER, SANITATION AND SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN THE RESETTLEMENT AREA. These plans should be developed parallel to the NSADP and be implemented simultaneously with the resettlement project.
3. Lake Bardawil, as the sole remaining natural coastal wetland in Egypt, should be protected by the Egyptian Government REGARDLESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NSADP.

The above actions will lead to improved project preparation work, on which funding agencies can base their decision to fund an environmentally sound project.

In order to reduce the negative impacts on the local population in Sinai and to avoid large-scale irreversible destruction of archeological sites and monuments, prospective funding agencies SHOULD MAKE FINANCING OF THE NSADP SUBJECT TO CONDITIONALITY with respect to the following points:

4. Development of the Egyptian Authorities of a positive integration strategy for the indigenous population of the Sinai, based on equity and preservation of cultural values and heritage.
5. Appeal of the Egyptian Government on the international community for technical and financial assistance for the implementation of an emergency archeological rescue plan for North Sinai.

More details about the project are found in WEB:dams.general conference. The following articles:

381. Social impacts of the project on Bedouin.
382. Political aspects of the project.
383. Sustainability of NSADP. A paper presented at the
     International Symposium on Water Resources in the
     Middle East, University of Illinois, Urbana, October
     24-27, 1993. Sponsored by UNEP. With updates.
384. Some considerations of Block 5 NSADP. Based on a poster
     session presented at the fore-mentioned symposium with
     updates.

9. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: