HEPCA is spearheading a high profile campaign to prevent a British oil company, Burren Energy (Egypt) Ltd, drilling for oil in the Red Sea. The company was granted a concession by the Ministry of Petroleum covering 242sqkm of waters, bordering two island protectorates, near to the resort of El Gouna, and Shadwan Island. This area boasts some of the finest marine life and coral reefs in the Red Sea, and is home to many endemic species.

Law No 102 of 1983 for Nature Protectorates and National Parks defines a natural protectorate as any area of land, coastal or inland water characterized by flora, fauna and natural features having cultural, scientific, aesthetic or tourist value, designated by the Prime Minister upon recommendation by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA). Under this law, commercial actions or activities that can harm the natural environment are strictly forbidden, including any action possibly causing pollution and damage to the marine life and natural features of the area.

Oil spill has already caused considerable damage to the environment and the Red Sea’s rich animal life in the past. HEPCA has started a major lobbying campaign and is taking all possible legal procedures and actions – locally and internationally – to stop such an insanity which will have a devastating effect on nature and all tourism investments in the area.