The anchoring problem arises
The very first incentive to reef protection in Hurghada area took place in 1988, when a representative of the World Federation and 4 of the major dive center owners had a first meeting to talk about the problems arising through anchoring on coral in the course of diving activities. These 4 dive center owners decided to fix chains with floating lines around coral blocks at the most popular dive sites in Abu Ramada North, Shaab Rur, Umm Kamar, Ben El Gebal and Erg Somaya. They shared the cost of around 40,000 Egyptian Pounds. At this time there were about 10 diving centers operating in Hurghada. Unfortunately, this system did not succeed, as the floating lines kept on being removed by unknown individuals.
Looking for a Better Anchoring System
In 1991, the situation started to be more and more serious. A German environmental expert was sent to Hurghada to work on a solution together with the diving centers. His consultation effort was financed by the German government. About 80% of the diving centers started to meet regularly to discuss about this issue. It was agreed that it was necessary to found an association to organize the protection of the coral reefs. There was the possibility of continuing with installing chains and rope, but as the experience had shown that this was very ineffective, it was agreed to look for a better and permanent anchoring system.
A combination of private funding, donations, and initiatives have enabled
HEPCA, in cooperation with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), to raise finance to install the mooring buoy system.
HEPCA is actively spearheading a number of community based initiatives
aimed at engaging and empowering the Red Sea's local community. Every day we are witnessing the transformative capabilities of HEPCA's philosophy as members within our community take on a on a more active role in conservation.
pick up
You will be picked up in the morning by our tour guide with a minibus and brought to the pier
On the Boat
From here you will take a 1 hour boat ride to Paradise Island
On the way
there you can enjoy short snorkeling opportunities. You will stop at various places to discover the variety of fish along the coast.
on Paradise
Arrived on Paradise Island, you will experience a relaxing day away from the tourist the tourist crowds on the beautiful sandy beaches of the island. Relax relax on the beach or swim and snorkel amidst the unique fish diversity. unique variety of fish.
Discover the fantastic underwater world of Paradise Island. Even in the shallow water you can discover the unique fish diversity. At noon you can have a delicious lunch on board of the boat. lunch
open buffet lunch
Back to the hotel
In the afternoon you will return by boat to the pier in Hurghada. back. From there you will take our minibus back to your hotel.
HEPCA is an internationally recognized NGO specializing in the field of marine and land conservation.
We were founded in 1992 by 12 representatives of the diving community in response to serious environmental threats affecting the Red Sea’s delicate and pristine eco-system.
Since our inception, HEPCA has grown into an international team of scientists and industry experts. We are actively working towards the protecting and preserving of the natural resources of the Red Sea, as well as promoting conservation and sustainable tourism practices. HEPCA works closely with a number of Egyptian governmental departments including; the Red Sea Governorate (RSG); the National Conservation Sector; and the National Parks of Egypt.
As a non-profit organization, HEPCA would not be able to implement its projects and campaigns without the cooperation of its partners, members, and supporters. Our NGO is supported by a huge network of members, who assist with funding via membership fees and voluntary donations. The members nominate 11 individuals to represent them on the Board of Directors, who in turn lend direction to HEPCA’s Executive Director and support staff. HEPCA does not receive funding from any kind of fee system, whether it is for national park fees, marine park fees, environmental tax, reef protection tax or any other name given to a tax collection system used by the diving, snorkeling and tourist community.
Our achievements in the last 20 years would not have been possible without the support of the members, members of the community, the diving and tourism industry, and the dedicated staff working in these areas. We survive on the support of our membership with generous donations of time, equipment, and facilities by the community members and project sponsorship.
HEPCA is an internationally recognized NGO specializing in the field of marine and land conservation.
We were founded in 1992 by 12 representatives of the diving community in response to serious environmental threats affecting the Red Sea’s delicate and pristine eco-system.
- Early 1990’s, one of the first major environmental threats became wide spread reef destruction due to boat anchoring. When boats attach their anchors to reef;
- In 1992, a meeting between twelve members representing the diving community proposed a permanent mooring buoy system, resulted in the designing and installing of approximately 100 mooring buoys, which inaugurated HEPCA’s inception as an Egyptian NGO.
- In 2004, HEPCA started managing Samadai Reefs protected area; visiting hours were scheduled and number of visitors is limited which resulted in the increase of the number of dolphins in the area. Each dolphin worth 92,000 USD and provides for 16 jobs.
- August 2009, a protocol was signed between the Red Sea Governorate and HEPCA; this protocol consigned the responsibility of Solid Waste Management in the Marsa Alam to HEPCA; giving HEPCA exclusive responsibility over waste collection, recycling, and disposal.
HEPCA’s mandate is the protection and conservation of the terrestrial and marine ecology of the Red Sea. This includes the underwater bio-network of coral reefs and the sensitive land ecosystems of the Red Sea coastline.
At HEPCA’s core is a no compromise attitude for the future. Our primary objective has remained essentially unchanged from day one: working towards the protecting and preservation of Egypt’s natural resources.
A small group of thoughtful people could change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Chairman
Vice President
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Executive Board Member
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Executive Board Member
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Executive Board Member
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Executive Board Member
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Executive Board Member
Executive Board Member
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Executive Board Member
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Executive Board Member
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Executive Board Member
Scientific Research Consultant
GIS Engineering Manager
Managing Director
Executive Secretary
Mooring Department Head
Solid Waste Department Manager
Solid Waste Factory Manager
Marsa Alam Office Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
we couldn't be where we are without the support of our dear Supporters.
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