Egypt launches 3 new diving sites to protect coral reefs

CAIRO – 4 August 2023: Egypt launched, on Thursday, the first three new diving sites off the coast of Hurghada to protect the natural coral reefs, and to develop diving tourism, said the Ministry of Environment in a statement.

The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, Governor of the Red Sea Major General Amr Hanafi, and 5 Environment Ministers from the Arab countries of Jordan, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, and Yemen.

The new diving sites include 15 old military pieces and equipment that have a unique story and special importance and were put down in the sea to create an environment for coral reefs.

The project was conducted in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, the statement added. The project took place within 7 years to avoid any possible damage to the marine ecosystem and to create a suitable environment for growing coral reefs.

Fouad said that the Red Sea coral reefs are the most resilient to climate change and high temperature of the sea worldwide in accordance with the latest studies, adding that the UN Climate Conference (COP 27) announced that Red Sea reefs are to be protected against pollution and illegal practices.