The birth of an idea that changed the Red Sea

The Red Sea is renowned for its abundant marine life, and unique coral reefs. The coral reefs of the Red Sea are considered by many experts to be one of the natural wonders of the world, rivaling the Australian Great Barrier Reef. In recent years, watersports such as scuba diving and snorkeling have become increasingly popular activities, and the number of tourists visiting the Red Sea grows each year. Hurghada receives tourists by the thousand on a weekly basis, whose activities range from scuba diving to snorkeling to sport fishing.

A fleet of over 750 boats provides access to a series of offshore islands and coral reefs, including Giftun, Abu Ramada and Magawish. This can have potentially damaging environmental repercussions. For example, one common activity which has caused sever damage to the marine ecosystem is boats anchoring on the fragile coral reefs. Many people are unaware of the significant impact that they have on the environment.

Actions that may appear harmless can actually cause a great deal of damage. Picking up shell is one example. While a pretty shell may seem an ideal memento from a trip abroad, it actually plays a vital role in the ecology of the area since it provides a temporary home for many sea creatures.

Through private funding and initiatives, HEPCA has been able to make a difference to the local environment. HEPCA lobbied for funds to be able to provide and install mooring buoys in a number of dive-sites, to prevent boats from anchoring on the reef. HEPCA approached The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) which provided funds to install 250 more buoys, with additional funds to provide training to boat captains and crews on the use of these buoys. HEPCA is involved in awareness raising activities targeted at the local community, tourism industry service providers, and visiting tourists.

It also promotes awareness through local diving centers, tour and charter operators, and hotels. For example, HEPCA urges visitors to the area to refrain from collecting shells and corals, or buying them where available. Many visitors to the area are unaware that international treaties ban the sale and possession of corals, shells and marine memorabilia, and that they are putting themselves in danger by attempting to bring them home.

HEPCA works closely with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), Natural Protectorates Department to ensure the laws covering the protection of all offshore islands and coral reefs are enforced, and to assist the Department in developing management and monitoring strategies. It played an instrumental role in lobbying for legislation to protect offshore reefs and islands, and was successful in promoting the inclusion of these reefs and islands under Law # 102 of 1982 through a recent Presidential Decree, designating them as protected areas.

HEPCA's Commitment to Protecting the Egyptian Red Sea

The Great Fringing Reef, located in the Red Sea in Egypt, is a globally recognized coral reef system that supports a diverse marine ecosystem. This reef system, particularly the Northern Red Sea reefs in Egypt, have been identified as some of the most climate-tolerant in the world. Scientists believe that these reefs have the potential to survive the projected rise in ocean temperatures and play a crucial role in the restoration of surrounding reefs.

Currently, about 50% of Egypt's Great Fringing Reef is protected within marine protected areas. However, the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) and The Ocean Agency are working to ensure the remaining half of the reefs are also protected.

Recognizing the significance of the Great Fringing Reef and the conservation efforts of HEPCA and The Ocean Agency, Mission Blue, an international marine conservation nonprofit, has declared this reef system a Hope Spot. This designation aims to support the protection of the Great Fringing Reef and the preservation of Egypt's vibrant marine life.

Dr. Mahmoud Hanafy, the Scientific Advisor of HEPCA, and the CEO of The Ocean Agency, Richard Vevers, have expressed their hopes for the Egyptian government to commit to safeguarding the remaining reefs. They believe that the Great Fringing Reef's global value as a coral refuge makes its protection a global responsibility.

You too can play a vital role in protecting the fragile ecosystem. In addition to becoming a member, as an individual you can report infringements to Red Sea protected areas rangers or HEPCA. Furthermore, by following the simple regulations you can ensure that the reefs and marine life are preserved for generations to come.

We live in a delicate balance with nature, where harmful actions affect not only ourselves, but also what around us. Corals are alive and takes a careless touch to kill a colony of living beings that have taken generations to grow. Corals are not only sensitive micro-organisms, some corals can actually cause us physical pain when touched. Wearing gloves don't offer protection.

When diving or snorkeling the simple rule is:
DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING