Reaffirming its leading role in addressing environmental and developmental challenges, the Scientific Research and Technological Applications City (SRTA-City) announces its strong commitment to expanding international cooperation and strengthening research partnerships through its innovative project entitled: "Innovative Agricultural Systems Linked to Water Harvesting Technologies to Combat Severe Drought in the Mediterranean Region, Including Salt- and Drought-Tolerant Species (Watermelon)."

During the period from October 27-29, 2025, the City hosted delegations from the countries participating in the project (Italy, Morocco, Algeria, Spain, Tunisia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, and Turkey).

Professor Dr. Mona Mahmoud Abdel Latif, Director of the City, affirmed the City's unwavering commitment to enhancing its position as a regional and international center for innovation and scientific research by leveraging its full human resources and advanced laboratory facilities to support and promote international cooperation in the fields of scientific research and technological innovation. This project comes within the framework of the City's role in supporting sustainable agricultural development and achieving food security. The City is a leading scientific institution that aims to develop and apply the latest scientific technologies in various fields to support sustainable development in Egypt and the region. The City also works to transform research results into technological applications with economic and social value.

Professor Dr. Mohamed Rashad Abdel Fattah, Vice Director of the City for Scientific and Research Affairs (and the principal investigator of the project), indicated that combating transboundary environmental challenges requires concerted international efforts. Therefore, the city seeks to enhance its participation in this project with partners from various Mediterranean countries and international institutions to ensure maximum benefit from the research results and to expand the scope of application of the proposed solutions. This cooperation includes the exchange of researchers, organizing workshops and training, and participating in the formulation of regional strategies to address drought.

He added that the project aims to improve the resilience and adaptability of dryland farming in the Mediterranean region to climate change and water scarcity by combining traditional and modern water management techniques with innovative, climate-smart agricultural practices. It also aims to achieve sustainable food and feed production while improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through training local farmers, introducing new high-value products and crop varieties, and providing scientific services and innovative, low-cost technical solutions to increase production and consequently profits.

The visit included a field tour of the city's experimental farm, encompassing its various sections. The visitors received a detailed explanation from members of the city's research team participating in the project (Dr. Sami Zaki Mohamed and Dr. Mohamed Hafez Abdel Fattah) regarding modern, water-efficient irrigation techniques used in conjunction with organic fertilizers to achieve sustainable agriculture resilient to climate change.

The visit concluded with a joint workshop during which an agreement was reached to develop an implementation plan and expand the scope of cooperation to include capacity building for researchers and farmers in Mediterranean countries, thus ensuring the resilience of agricultural systems and their ability to withstand the increasing climate challenges.