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EVERYONE'S A WINNER: Wadi Gamal decree revoked!

There will now be a consultation process involving the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Red Sea Governorate, HEPCA and stakeholders in the south to further investigate this issue and to draw up clear management plans for this area. Many thanks to the Governor of the Red Sea, General Mahmoud Assem for his immediate response to concerns about this issue and to Dr Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, the Minister of Tourism for his enthusiastic support of the tourist sector and the speed of his action in this case. Further decrees of this nature will be based on need assessment and in conjunction with stakeholders. For the past 20 years HEPCA has been a keen advocate of the guardianship of the status of the national parks of Egypt, continuously concerned about the sustainability of their natural resources. It is HEPCA’s raison d’être, to protect and conserve these natural resources. HEPCA is extremely grateful to all parties involved in revoking this decree and agreeing to engage in the consultation process with all stakeholders to ensure maximum benefits for our beloved national parks. Support from the dive industry and tourism sector was as always warmly welcomed. A coherent management plan and transparency concerning the source of funding and how this funding is distributed is essential and HEPCA and its members will spare no effort in giving all necessary support to assure future successful cooperation. Furthermore HEPCA would like to extend its gratitude to the dedicated staff with the national parks. The efforts of these individuals is invaluable and in the hoped for restructuring of the national parks system we trust that these individuals will be given the opportunity to develop and thus enhance the performance of the national parks themselves.