Egypt's tourism push puts Red Sea beach at risk, say activists
STORY: With crystal clear waters and flat white sands, Ras Hankorab Beach is home to one of Egypt's last untouched marine ecosystems.
However, this pristine beach in the Red Sea has now been closed off for development.
And according to the original plans, that would include dozens of accommodation huts, a restaurant, and a farm.
Images obtained by Reuters showed the start of construction work at the beach.
Conservationists warn a fragile ecosystem supporting turtles and coral reefs is under threat.
Here is Asmaa Ali, executive director of conservation group Ecoris.
"This area is important because it is globally ranked as one of the most important spots of biodiversity, including nearly extinct species, including marine ones. It has one of the most precious coral reefs, located at the reserve's beach. It also has sea turtles at risk of extinction, it has mangrove trees. It has a wide range of biodiversity and it is considered a valued destination which many people seek out from around the globe."
Ras Hankorab is the jewel of Egypt's Wadi el-Gemal National Park.
But to fight an economic crisis, Egypt has been selling investment licenses in its national parks to developers.
Environmental lawyer Ahmed El-Seidi describes the construction as a catastrophe.
"This is completely illegal because there is an article in the constitution stipulating that the state is obliged to protect its natural resources and to protect the rights of future generations in these resources. It is supposed that the government should work towards sustainable development and my understanding of sustainable development is that it is one aiming to take care of the environment, protect the environment, not just focusing on the economy and money."
Tourism is one of the most important pillars of the Egyptian economy.
A recent UN Tourism report estimated the country's annual tourism revenue at $14.1 billion in 2024.
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