HEPCA is a recognized NGO – Non Governmental Organization - registered with the Red Sea Governorate and established by members of the Red Sea diving community.

HEPCA’S mandate is the protection and conservation of the land and marine ecology and the underwater environment of the coral reefs, land ecosystems of the Red Sea and its coastline.

HEPCA, supported by its members and affiliated to governmental or non-governmental agencies, achieves its goals and objectives through active participation in all possible environmental projects and through other effective efforts.

The spectacular coral reefs and fascinating marine life of the Red Sea are one of the main attractions for the 8 million visitors coming to Egypt each year. Dive tourism is booming here – divers and snorkellers can choose from over 300 diving centres and boat operators in the Hurghada region alone.

Clearly such economic potential represents a superb opportunity for a developing country such as Egypt, but with success comes added pressures, responsibilities and concerns. Mass construction of hotels and holiday homes; vast numbers of water users and water craft; over fishing and pollution… these are just some of the issues affecting this region as it basks in an explosion of tourism growth.

Environmental deterioration is no longer a threat but a reality. Each day in the Red Sea we are witness to the depletion of the very resource base that attracts so many visitors here in the first place. Without proper environmental and logistical planning, and interventions to promote sustainable development, the corals and marine life of the Red Sea will die… affecting not only the environment, but hundreds of thousands of livelihoods, ultimately causing the degradation of the entire tourism industry along the Red Sea coast of Egypt.

The initiative to introduce reef protection in the Hurghada area took place in 1988 when the owners of four of the major dive centres met to discuss the problems associated with anchoring on the coral reefs. At this time, only 10 diving operators were in operation here. A system of chains with floating lines provided temporary respite, but by 1991 the situation had become even more serious. A German environmental expert arrived in Hurghada to assist the diving centres and the possibility of continuing with the original system was dismissed in favour of a more permanent anchoring system. Furthermore, in order to protect the reefs, it was felt necessary to organise the centres into a visible association.

HEPCA was founded in 1992 by 12 members, representing the diving community of the Hurghada and Safaga region. The original objectives were expressed as the protection and conservation of marine ecology and the underwater environment of the Red Sea, and the promotion and improvement of diving safety. An initial mooring system was designed and installed, consisting of 100 mooring buoys, financed by private and public investment. Since these early days, the project has evolved into the largest mooring system in the world with over 1000 moorings installed and maintained throughout Hurghada, Safaga and the South.

In 1995 HEPCA was registered with the Red Sea Governorate and the Ministry of Social Affairs as a Non-Governmental – Non-Profit Making Organisation. We are currently the leading NGO operating in Egypt in the field marine and land conservation. Our original objectives have grown and include other marine projects, such as underwater and beach clean-ups, and campaigns to stop over-fishing and protect endangered marine life.

HEPCA is also involved in a large number of projects concerning the local environment on land. We have instigated everything from training programs for local boat crews, to the development of solid waste management plants to help manage the vast amount of rubbish accumulated here. HEPCA is also involved in awareness raising activities targeted at the local community, schools, tourism industry, service providers, and visiting tourists.

HEPCA works closely with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), Natural Protectorates Department, to ensure that laws covering the protection of all offshore islands and coral reefs are enforced, and to assist the Department in developing management and monitoring strategies. We are active in lobbying for legislation to protect our environment. Over the last 5 years, HEPCA has been at the forefront of campaigns, which have resulted in more than 32 laws, articles and decrees being changed.

As a non-profit making organisation HEPCA would not be able to lead, and be involved in, as many projects as we do without the critical support and partnership of so many other organisations. HEPCA is supported by a huge network of members who assist with funding via membership fees and voluntary donations. The members nominate 11 individuals to represent them on the Board of Directors, who in turn give direction to HEPCA’s Executive Director and support staff.

Private funding from members and individuals is necessary for our survival but HEPCA is also fortunate to receive considerable funding from the public and private sector. Supporters include: the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Coca Cola International, Vodafone Egypt International and many others.

HEPCA works closely a number of Government Departments including the Red Sea Governorate (RSG), the National Conservation Sector and the National Parks of Egypt and others.

At HEPCA’s core is a no compromise attitude for the future. Our objectives have remained essentially unchanged from day one, working towards the goal of protecting and preserving the natural resources of the Red Sea and Egypt. The job may have got somewhat bigger since the 1990s, but we, and our Members, are more than committed to the task.

We believe in visionary thinking and progressive action to bring about positive change. We are continually searching for new ways to improve both HEPCA’s efficiency and effectiveness, and to maximize our contribution to society. By supporting the work of HEPCA you can help ensure the preservation and sustainability of the Red Sea environment for future generations.