Latest news with #AsmaaAli
The Star
03-05-2025
- The Star
Red Sea jewel at risk
RAS Hankorab Beach, a pristine spot on southern Egypt's Red Sea coast with crystal clear waters and flat white sands, is the jewel of Egypt's Wadi el-Gemal National Park, home to one of the country's last untouched marine ecosystems. Rhe beach is a 90-minute drive from Marsa Alam international airport, and a four-hour drive from the huge, fast-growing resort of Hurghada. Today, it is closed off by a wooden fence while campaigners battle to halt its development with, according to the original plans, dozens of accommodation huts, a restaurant and a farm. Conservationists warn that a fragile ecosystem supporting turtles, the coral reef, sea grasses and myriad species of fish is under threat and locals fear losing a precious natural resource forever. Fighting economic crisis, Egypt has been selling investment licences in its national parks to developers in the hope of raising income. Projects vary in size and scope. Tourism is one of the most important pillars of the Egyptian economy. A recent UN Tourism report estimated annual tourism revenue at US$14.1bil in 2024, more than double Suez Canal revenues. With 17 million visitors in 2024, an annual increase of 17%, Egypt sees potential to boost numbers with more infrastructure, air connectivity and sustainable, coastal and desert-focused holidays. Turkiye had 62 million tourists in 2024, Greece 35 million and Dubai 18.7 million. Environmentalists and local communities warn that even light construction on the beach would destroy one of Egypt's last untouched marine sanctuaries. Asmaa Ali, executive director of Ecoris, an Egyptian sustainable development and conservation group, said the national park and beach is one of the world's most important spots for biodiversity. '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,' she said. Sherif Baha el-Din, a co-founder of Wadi el-Gemal national park, said tourists seek unspoiled nature, not concrete resorts. 'The more development on the Red Sea coast, the more important it becomes to leave this small part untouched,' he said. 'If we must develop, let's talk about where. But the best thing to build here is nothing at all.' The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association, an NGO, notes that the reef is so significant because it is one of the world's most tolerant of climate change, and has the potential to repopulate other reefs and even bring back some from extinction. Over the past decade, changes to the law have allowed spots within Egypt's national parks to be used for commercial projects. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said projects within protected areas including national parks surged from 10 in 2016 to 150 in 2024, with revenue increasing by 1,900%. Egypt's Environmental Affairs Agency initially offered the operation of Ras Hankorab for tourism use to investors, albeit under strict conditions. However, responsibility has now moved to a government fund, the minister said in a recent presentation on Wadi el-Gemal. She declined to comment further. Worried conservationist groups have filed an appeal with a state prosecutor, alleging development is not meeting protection laws and would damage a public resource. Locals say they have been sidelined. Many once made a living from low-key eco-tourism but are now effectively barred from the beach. 'I used to take my kids there for free. Now, I have to pay 250 Egyptian pounds just to enter,' said Mohamed Saleh, a tribal elder. 'They didn't consult us. They didn't hire us. They just took over our land.' Fouad and other Egyptian officials argue that eco-tourism and investment can coexist. She defended development of the beach and Wadi el-Gemal as a 'controlled expansion', ensuring sustainability while attracting revenue. Her ministry will monitor and evaluate the proposed projects in sensitive areas, including Ras Hankorab, Ras Boghdady, and the world-renowned diving spot the Blue Hole, she said. However, critics see the ministry as lacking the resources for that. Egypt has lost environmental expertise due to low wages and limited resources, conservationists say. In 2007, Wadi el-Gemal had 20 wildlife specialists monitoring biodiversity. Today, there are only a handful, said an NGO member. The Environment Ministry and the State Information Service did not respond to a request for comment. 'This completely undermines the idea of eco-tourism. 'How does handing over protected land to private investors align with conservation?' asked environmental lawyer Ahmed El-Seidi. 'The state is obliged to protect its natural resources and to protect the rights of future generations in these resources.' — Reuters
Gulf Today
15-04-2025
- Gulf Today
Egypt's tourism push puts pristine Red Sea beach at risk, say environmentalists
Ras Hankorab Beach, a pristine spot on southern Egypt's Red Sea coast with crystal clear waters and flat white sands, is the jewel of Egypt's Wadi el-Gemal National Park, home to one of the country's last untouched marine ecosystems. Today, the beach, a 90-minute drive from Marsa Alam international airport, and a four-hour drive from the huge, fast-growing resort of Hurghada, is closed off by a wooden fence, and campaigners are battling to halt its development with, according to the original plans, dozens of accommodation huts, a restaurant and a farm. Conservationists warn a fragile ecosystem supporting turtles, the coral reef, sea grasses and myriad species of fish is under threat and locals fear losing a precious natural resource forever. Fighting economic crisis, Egypt has been selling investment licenses in its national parks to developers in the hope of raising income. Projects vary in size and scope. View of an entrance sign at Ras Hankorab beach in Wadi El Gemal National Park. Reuters Tourism is one of the most important pillars of the Egyptian economy. A recent UN Tourism report estimated annual tourism revenue at $14.1 billion in 2024, more than double Suez Canal revenues. With 17 million visitors in 2024, an annual increase of 17%, Egypt sees potential to boost numbers with more infrastructure, air connectivity and sustainable, coastal and desert-focused holidays. Turkey had 62 million tourists in 2024, Greece 35 million and Dubai 18.7 million. Environmentalists and local communities warn that even light construction on the beach would destroy one of Egypt's last untouched marine sanctuaries. Asmaa Ali, executive director of Ecoris, an Egyptian sustainable development and conservation group, said the national park and beach is one of the world's most important spots for biodiversity. Umbrellas at Ras Hankorab beach in Marsa Alam, Egypt. Reuters "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," she said. Sherif Baha el-Din, a co-founder of Wadi el-Gemal national park, said tourists seek unspoiled nature, not concrete resorts. "The more development on the Red Sea coast, the more important it becomes to leave this small part untouched," he said. "If we must develop, let's talk about where. But the best thing to build here is nothing at all." The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA), an NGO, notes that the reef is so significant because it is one of the world's most tolerant of climate change, and has the potential to repopulate other reefs and even bring back some from extinction. REVENUE FROM NATIONAL PARKS Over the past decade, changes to the law have allowed spots within Egypt's national parks to be used for commercial projects. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said projects within protected areas including national parks surged from 10 in 2016 to 150 in 2024, with revenue increasing by 1,900%. Egypt's Environmental Affairs Agency initially offered the operation of Ras Hankorab for tourism use to investors, albeit under strict conditions. However, responsibility has now moved to a government fund, the minister said in a recent presentation on Wadi el-Gemal. She declined to comment further. View of an information map of the Wadi El Gemal National Park. Reuters Worried conservationist groups have filed an appeal with a state prosecutor, alleging development is not meeting protection laws and would damage a public resource. Locals say they have been sidelined. Many once made a living from low-key eco-tourism but are now effectively barred from the beach. "I used to take my kids there for free. Now, I have to pay 250 Egyptian pounds ($5) just to enter," said Mohamed Saleh, a tribal elder. "They didn't consult us. They didn't hire us. They just took over our land." Fouad and other Egyptian officials argue that eco-tourism and investment can coexist. She defended development of the beach and Wadi el-Gemal as a "controlled expansion," ensuring sustainability while attracting revenue. Her ministry will monitor and evaluate the proposed projects in sensitive areas, including Ras Hankorab, Ras Boghdady, and the world-renowned diving spot the Blue Hole, she said. However, critics see the ministry as lacking the resources for that. A man sits under a wooden structure at Ras Hankorab beach. Reuters Egypt has lost environmental expertise due to low wages and limited resources, conservationists say. In 2007, Wadi el-Gemal had 20 wildlife specialists monitoring biodiversity. Today, there are only a handful, said an NGO member. The Environment Ministry and the State Information Service did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. "This completely undermines the idea of eco-tourism. How does handing over protected land to private investors align with conservation?" said environmental lawyer Ahmed El-Seidi. "The state is obliged to protect its natural resources and to protect the rights of future generations in these resources." Reuters
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.
The Independent
15-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Egypt's tourism boost risks ruining country's beaches forever, campaigners warn
A battle is brewing on Egypt 's Red Sea coast, where a pristine beach faces potential development within a protected national park. Ras Hankorab, a jewel of Wadi el-Gemal National Park known for its untouched marine ecosystem, is currently closed off, its future hanging in the balance. Located 90 minutes from Marsa Alam airport and four hours from the bustling resort of Hurghada, Ras Hankorab boasts crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. However, original plans propose transforming this natural haven with accommodation huts, a restaurant, and a farm. Conservationists are raising the alarm, warning that development threatens a fragile ecosystem supporting turtles, coral reefs, sea grasses, and diverse fish species. Local communities also fear the permanent loss of this precious natural resource. Egypt, grappling with economic challenges, has been selling investment licenses within its national parks to stimulate income. Tourism represents a cornerstone of the Egyptian economy, with a recent UN report estimating annual tourism revenue at $14.1 billion in 2024, surpassing even Suez Canal revenues. While Egypt welcomed 17 million visitors in 2024, a 17 per cent annual increase, the government sees potential for further growth. By expanding infrastructure, improving air connectivity, and promoting sustainable coastal and desert tourism, Egypt aims to compete with regional tourism giants like Turkey (62 million visitors), Greece (35 million), and Dubai (18.7 million). The question remains whether this economic drive will come at the cost of irreplaceable natural treasures like Ras Hankorab. Environmentalists and local communities warn that even light construction on the beach would destroy one of Egypt's last untouched marine sanctuaries. Asmaa Ali, executive director of Ecoris, an Egyptian sustainable development and conservation group, said the national park and beach is one of the world's most important spots for biodiversity. "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," she said. Sherif Baha el-Din, a co-founder of Wadi el-Gemal national park, said tourists seek unspoiled nature, not concrete resorts. "The more development on the Red Sea coast, the more important it becomes to leave this small part untouched," he said. "If we must develop, let's talk about where. But the best thing to build here is nothing at all." The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA), an NGO, notes that the reef is so significant because it is one of the world's most tolerant of climate change, and has the potential to repopulate other reefs and even bring back some from extinction. Over the past decade, changes to the law have allowed spots within Egypt's national parks to be used for commercial projects. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said projects within protected areas including national parks surged from 10 in 2016 to 150 in 2024, with revenue increasing by 1,900 per cent. Egypt's Environmental Affairs Agency initially offered the operation of Ras Hankorab for tourism use to investors, albeit under strict conditions. However, responsibility has now moved to a government fund, the minister said in a recent presentation on Wadi el-Gemal. She declined to comment further. Worried conservationist groups have filed an appeal with a state prosecutor, alleging development is not meeting protection laws and would damage a public resource. Locals say they have been sidelined. Many once made a living from low-key eco-tourism but are now effectively barred from the beach. "I used to take my kids there for free. Now, I have to pay 250 Egyptian pounds ($5) just to enter," said Mohamed Saleh, a tribal elder. "They didn't consult us. They didn't hire us. They just took over our land." Fouad and other Egyptian officials argue that eco-tourism and investment can coexist. She defended development of the beach and Wadi el-Gemal as a "controlled expansion," ensuring sustainability while attracting revenue. Her ministry will monitor and evaluate the proposed projects in sensitive areas, including Ras Hankorab, Ras Boghdady, and the world-renowned diving spot the Blue Hole, she said. However, critics see the ministry as lacking the resources for that. Egypt has lost environmental expertise due to low wages and limited resources, conservationists say. In 2007, Wadi el-Gemal had 20 wildlife specialists monitoring biodiversity. Today, there are only a handful, said an NGO member. The Environment Ministry and the State Information Service did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. "This [development] completely undermines the idea of eco-tourism. How does handing over protected land to private investors align with conservation?" said environmental lawyer Ahmed El-Seidi.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Egypt's tourism push puts pristine Red Sea beach at risk, say environmentalists
By Mohamed Ezz RAS HANKORAB (Reuters) - Ras Hankorab Beach, a pristine spot on southern Egypt's Red Sea coast with crystal clear waters and flat white sands, is the jewel of Egypt's Wadi el-Gemal National Park, home to one of the country's last untouched marine ecosystems. Today, the beach, a 90-minute drive from Marsa Alam international airport, and a four-hour drive from the huge, fast-growing resort of Hurghada, is closed off by a wooden fence, and campaigners are battling to halt its development with, according to the original plans, dozens of accommodation huts, a restaurant and a farm. Conservationists warn a fragile ecosystem supporting turtles, the coral reef, sea grasses and myriad species of fish is under threat and locals fear losing a precious natural resource forever. Fighting economic crisis, Egypt has been selling investment licenses in its national parks to developers in the hope of raising income. Projects vary in size and scope. Tourism is one of the most important pillars of the Egyptian economy. A recent UN Tourism report estimated annual tourism revenue at $14.1 billion in 2024, more than double Suez Canal revenues. With 17 million visitors in 2024, an annual increase of 17%, Egypt sees potential to boost numbers with more infrastructure, air connectivity and sustainable, coastal and desert-focused holidays. Turkey had 62 million tourists in 2024, Greece 35 million and Dubai 18.7 million. Environmentalists and local communities warn that even light construction on the beach would destroy one of Egypt's last untouched marine sanctuaries. Asmaa Ali, executive director of Ecoris, an Egyptian sustainable development and conservation group, said the national park and beach is one of the world's most important spots for biodiversity. "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," she said. Sherif Baha el-Din, a co-founder of Wadi el-Gemal national park, said tourists seek unspoiled nature, not concrete resorts. "The more development on the Red Sea coast, the more important it becomes to leave this small part untouched," he said. "If we must develop, let's talk about where. But the best thing to build here is nothing at all." The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA), an NGO, notes that the reef is so significant because it is one of the world's most tolerant of climate change, and has the potential to repopulate other reefs and even bring back some from extinction. REVENUE FROM NATIONAL PARKS Over the past decade, changes to the law have allowed spots within Egypt's national parks to be used for commercial projects. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said projects within protected areas including national parks surged from 10 in 2016 to 150 in 2024, with revenue increasing by 1,900%. Egypt's Environmental Affairs Agency initially offered the operation of Ras Hankorab for tourism use to investors, albeit under strict conditions. However, responsibility has now moved to a government fund, the minister said in a recent presentation on Wadi el-Gemal. She declined to comment further. Worried conservationist groups have filed an appeal with a state prosecutor, alleging development is not meeting protection laws and would damage a public resource. Locals say they have been sidelined. Many once made a living from low-key eco-tourism but are now effectively barred from the beach. "I used to take my kids there for free. Now, I have to pay 250 Egyptian pounds ($5) just to enter," said Mohamed Saleh, a tribal elder. "They didn't consult us. They didn't hire us. They just took over our land." Fouad and other Egyptian officials argue that eco-tourism and investment can coexist. She defended development of the beach and Wadi el-Gemal as a "controlled expansion," ensuring sustainability while attracting revenue. Her ministry will monitor and evaluate the proposed projects in sensitive areas, including Ras Hankorab, Ras Boghdady, and the world-renowned diving spot the Blue Hole, she said. However, critics see the ministry as lacking the resources for that. Egypt has lost environmental expertise due to low wages and limited resources, conservationists say. In 2007, Wadi el-Gemal had 20 wildlife specialists monitoring biodiversity. Today, there are only a handful, said an NGO member. The Environment Ministry and the State Information Service did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. "This [development] completely undermines the idea of eco-tourism. How does handing over protected land to private investors align with conservation?" said environmental lawyer Ahmed El-Seidi. "The state is obliged to protect its natural resources and to protect the rights of future generations in these resources." ($1 = 51 Egyptian pounds)
