Constructed Wetland Parks: A Pathway to Sustainability For Cairo

Cairo is facing a vast number of urban, environmental and social challenges. It is constantly affecting the quality of life in the Egyptian Capital. Water resources are limited and one of the main challenges in Egypt, in addition to the Increasing population, Lack of green spaces, Air and Water pollution rate especially in Cairo. Using untraditional solutions in Egyptian cities now is a critical need, which will help in maximizing the benefits, decreasing projects and operations cost in this developing country. The Nile is the major water source in Egypt, according to recent studies this source is decreasing. UN and the Egyptian government published that Egypt has reached water poverty. Conservation and developing this resource is the cornerstone of academic researches and on the Egyptian government top priorities. Now in Egypt, the importance of recycling water in different methods increased. It is a basic need to cover water demands. Biological water treatment is one of the eco-friendly techniques for water treatment. Constructed wetland now is commonly used as an environmental tool in many countries. It achieves many benefits such as increasing biodiversity, habitats, water treatment and reduces air pollution. In the last decade, this technology was used in Egypt as a tool for water treatment in small-scale projects in The Northern lakes. The multifunction landscape is combining traditional landscape uses with human activities and production. This complexed harmony could achieve a balance between ecosystems with human impacts. Creating a wetland park as multifunction Landscape tool is a new approach in the world. Many countries have success stories in this field. This research will discuss international experiences in constructed wetland parks and local experiences in wetland areas, monitoring challenges and problems facing this technology and main potential elements that will lead to the success of this experiment in Egypt. Recognizing stakeholder complex needs, Ideas, and official plans for developing wetlands in Egypt. Finally, this research provides a framework and action plan to help in adapting the landscape market with this new approach, gives decision makers tools to achieve sustainability in future projects.