ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY ON THE NILE SECONDARY CHANNELS (KHORS) BETWEEN BENI-SUEF AND THE DELTA BARRAGE

Abstract

Secondary Channels (Khors) along the River Nile are considered riverine wetlands. These wetlands have been noted for their high value in providing habitats for a variety of wildlife where different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates use them for breeding, food or shelter. They also have quantifiable economic value, where money is spent on hunting, fishing, birdwatching, tourism as well as other activities. In general, wetlands provide tremendous economic benefits to mankind through fishery production, the maintenance of water tables for agriculture, timber production, water storage, and reduction of natural hazards such as flood. Wetlands also contribute to shoreline stabilization, waste disposal, water purification and provide critical habitat for many species of fauna and flora. However, they are among the most threatened habitats due mainly to drainage, land reclamation, pollution and over-exploitation of wetland species. The evaluation of the wetlands (Khors) functions and values is vital for the proper exploitation of these resources. The current study deals with the development of a wetland evaluation technique based on sound judgement values, habitats and ecological characteristics. The study is applied to the Khors on the River Nile between Cairo and Beni-Suef. Comprehensive field surveys were performed where engineering and environmental data and measurements were gathered. The purpose of this study is to develop the evaluation technique and to evaluate the Khors in the area of study through the use of a framework that utilizes a ranking method that take into considerations engineering, environmental, ecological and economical aspects. The method used to evaluate the importance of the Khors is based on sound scientific judgement and common sense. The gathered information of all activities, functions and characteristics are used to form matrices of effects, then the importance of each Khor is identified based ori a judgement on the matrix of cumulative effects. The study elaborated on the importance of each activity that •