Egypt adopts satellite-based system to monitor aquatic weeds in irrigational waterways nationwide

CAIRO – 17 January 2026: Egypt has launched a satellite-based system to monitor aquatic weeds and various types of waste in irrigation canals nationwide, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation on Saturday.

The new system aims to provide precise, accurate, and real-time monitoring of irrigation canals, enabling authorities to identify areas requiring urgent intervention.

On January 15, 2026, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam held a meeting to review the status of applications used by the ministry to monitor different types of aquatic weeds in waterways. The meeting also discussed ways to utilize free satellite imagery to classify aquatic weeds, using platforms such as Digital Earth Africa and Google Earth Engine.

According to the ministry, the system will allow relevant departments to make immediate and informed decisions regarding the management and removal of aquatic weeds.