2018 Reports

Citizen-led Mapping of Urban Metabolism in Cairo

Khalil, Heba Allah Essam E.; Ron, Dave

Cairo, Egypt, faces severe climate and environmental challenges, including extreme heat, water scarcity, and high pollution levels, particularly in informal areas like Imbaba, which house around 60% of the city’s population. The Eco-Citizen World Map Project (EWMP) engages communities, students, and local organizations to collect, visualize, and analyze neighborhood-level data on water, air, and urban resource flows using GIS and urban metabolism tools. Through participatory mapping, training, and advocacy, residents gain the capacity to propose interventions, improve water access and management, and push for municipal infrastructure upgrades. The project emphasizes grassroots leadership and research justice, creating a model for equitable climate adaptation in densely populated urban areas.