Environmentalists could be forgiven for thinking that lessons have not been learnt from the mass development of the Hurghada coastline. Over 3 million cubic metres of sea and coral reef has been destroyed to make way for beaches and hotels to accommodate visitors to the region. This is an environmental tragedy.

A coral reef of the Red Sea is like an oasis in the Sahara Desert. The reefs of the Egyptian Red Sea make up just 0.1 percent of the total area, but are responsible for keeping alive the entire marine life in these waters. Without the reef, the fish and marine life will have no shelter and no nutrients, and ultimately they will die.

HEPCA does not want less tourism and less development. We want to achieve more tourism and development, but in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a long-term vision that will safeguard the treasures of the Red Sea for future generations. By securing the reefs of the Red Sea, we secure tourism.

Plans are afoot to develop the complete coastline of the southern Egyptian Red Sea from El Queseir down to Berenice, near to the border with Sudan. Almost the entirety of this coast is valuable marine reserves, fragile eco-systems that are home to hundreds of unique and endangered species, and thousands of coral reefs.

HEPCA is actively campaigning for a complete holistic urban development plan for the entire area of the southern Egyptian Red Sea that entails centralising hotel facilities like beaches and jetties, and building away from the coastline. Only by sustainable development can we help to guarantee the survival of the marine life, local communities and tourism business here.