The Arab Union for Youth and the Environment (AUYE) organised the 12th Coastal Environment Forum under the theme of “Climate Change: A Shared Concern; The Blue Economy: Sustainable Opportunities” from 1 to 5 August this year. 

Egypt’s coastal environments contain distinctive ecosystems teeming with biodiversity, and they are valued not only for their stunning beauty but also for their pivotal role in fostering ecotourism and preserving natural reserves.

“The forum hosted 150 young people from 22 Arab and African nations and five Egyptian universities,” said Mamdouh Rashwan, the secretary-general of the AUYE, at the event. 

This year’s edition was held following approval by the Council of Arab Youth and Sports Ministers during its 17th session on 28 February through Resolution 1124. It was organised under the sponsorship of the Arab League’s Environment, Youth, and Sports Administration in cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, the Arab Water Council, the Arab Centre for the Study of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), the Agricultural Syndicate, the Ministry of Environment’s Nature Protection Sector, and the Red Sea governorate, he added.

“Millions of people worldwide rely on fishing, tourism, and maritime trade for their livelihoods. According to estimates from the World Bank in 2017, ocean-related economic activities generate $2.5 trillion annually globally. Furthermore, studies from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2021 revealed that the oceans absorb around 30 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions stemming from human activities,” Rashwan said.

The primary goal of the forum is to “acquaint participants with the natural wonders of the Red Sea governorate, encompassing nature reserves and marine islands,” he added. It included a comprehensive programme that featured scientific, recreational, and tourist excursions, such as visits to Giftun Island in the Red Sea. “The forum is also implementing various youth-driven initiatives aimed at environmental protection and promoting sustainable tourism, such as the Red Sea Beach Cleaning Campaign and the planting of mangrove trees,” Rashwan said.

Egypt’s Red Sea region has three breathtaking nature reserves that are widely considered to be among the most exquisite globally. They encompass marine and terrestrial areas, namely the Northern Islands Reserve in the Red Sea’s northern region, the Wadi Al-Gemal Reserve in Marsa Alam, and the Elba Reserve in the southern part of the Red Sea governorate.

“The Northern Islands Reserve holds particular significance, boasting some of the world’s most renowned diving sites. It includes 16 out of a total of 44 islands in the surrounding area and serves as a crucial habitat for the reproduction of numerous rare marine species like green turtles,” Rashwan said.

Ahmed Ghallab, director of Marine Reserves and the Northern Islands in the Red Sea governorate, explained to forum attendees that the Northern Islands Reserve is globally recognised as a premier reserve that draws thousands of tourists annually due to its distinctive diving sites. Spanning 2,000 square km, the reserve’s standout feature is a rare coral reef area possibly dating back millions of years known as the Erq and Fanous Reefs or “the paradise of the Northern Islands Reserve”. 

This location, where large pods of dolphins dwell, has become a coveted destination and a distinguished diving site for tourists, Ghallab said.

During the second day of the forum, the youth participants explored Giftun Island, one of the Red Sea governorate’s prized natural assets. Ghallab said that “Giftun is surrounded by several other islands, each offering a range of activities such as diving and swimming, including Abu Minqar, Magawish, and the Fanous Reefs, renowned for their rare biological diversity.”

Noting the critical status of many coral reefs worldwide, Ghallab expressed concerns about losses attributed to rising temperatures and bleaching incidents, which have impacted these ecosystems in recent years. He pointed to the support provided by the Ministry of Environment under Minister Yasmine Fouad to provide research and bolster resources to safeguard the Red Sea’s natural environment.

The ministry has provided the Red Sea governorate with boats to curb overfishing, implement patrol programmes, monitor coral reef conditions and turtle nesting, and coordinate efforts to safeguard biodiversity and aquatic resources in the Red Sea, he added. It has also conducted educational programmes in schools. 

“The Red Sea reserves are the home to both hard and soft coral reefs, boasting a diverse array of marine life that includes 250 reef types, 1,100 fish species, and 43 shark species, alongside Avicennia marina, a mangrove plant variety found only in Egypt. Additionally, the area supports 12 types of seagrass and hosts two sea turtle species that nest on the Red Sea beaches,” Ghallab said.

Stressing the pivotal role of coral reefs in sustaining fish populations, he said that “sharks contribute $120,000 annually to the tourist economy and dolphins contribute some $1,850,000. The economic value of a square metre of coral reefs is assessed at $300.”

At present, “there are 2,500 tourist boats, over 1,000 fishing vessels, and 1,200 buoys in the Red Sea aimed at safeguarding the coral reefs and marine life.”

FISH PRODUCTION: Ghallab also spoke to forum participants about the decline in fish production in the Red Sea governorate. 

“While the area was formerly producing 120,000 tons, the output has dwindled to a mere 20,000 tons due to overfishing. Meanwhile, efforts are being directed towards curbing unsustainable fishing practices and transitioning to sustainable fishing methods,” he stated.

He also spoke about the protection of coral reefs. “Environmental studies have indicated that safe diving levels stand at 20,000 dives. However, this figure has at times surged to 200,000 dives, necessitating the establishment of new diving zones. Efforts here include the rehabilitation and cultivation of coral reefs by leveraging natural reproduction processes, such as the spawning of millions of coral reef eggs that occurs during one night in the spring season, turning the water red. The eggs are collected, nurtured in laboratories, and used for reef restoration or multiplication,” Ghallab explained.

Tourism expert Ihab Dandash said that the camp on Giftun Island routinely hosts forum guests. “The voyage to and from the Island takes two hours. We are currently making preparations to hold other tourist activities in Hurghada to enhance the overall visitor experience and attractions,” he added.

Emad Adly, a seasoned environmental expert, said that “the blue economy fosters economic growth by leveraging water resources sustainably to meet people’s needs while protecting these vital resources.” He referred to Goal 14 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on underwater life, identifying coral reefs as invaluable assets crucial to nurturing the blue economy and generating tourism revenue. 

“The blue economy’s global value in the world’s seas and oceans reached $1.5 trillion in 2022, with a projected target of $3 trillion by 2030. We need to upscale this value six-fold in the coming years. There must be something terribly wrong if countries overlooking oceans or seas suffer from unemployment,” he said.

Addressing recent shark appearances in the Red Sea, Adly explained that “sharks consume substantial amounts of food during pregnancy, prompting the Ministry of Environment to enforce fishing bans during their breeding seasons to ensure their sustenance. Encroachment on their food sources can lead to shark encounters near beaches, particularly during breeding periods.”

Sayed Khalifa, head of the Agricultural Syndicate, secretary-general of the African Agricultural Union, and President of the Arab Union for Youth and the Environment, highlighted the pivotal role of the Red Sea governorate in boosting Egypt’s national revenue, population redistribution, and the implementation of diverse national projects. 

“The Arab world has 18,000 km of coastline, accommodating 40 to 60 per cent of the population and facing emerging challenges like mangrove forest degradation due to climate change-induced temperature rises,” Khalifa said.

“We have been rehabilitating mangrove ecosystems since 2002,” he added, describing mangroves as a “treasure” and calling for more methods to be used to safeguard plant genetic diversity. He also referenced the presidential initiative to plant 100 Million Trees, with 12,000 trees already having been planted, including mangroves, to enhance climate resilience, and the planting of two million palm trees in Toshka.

The Red Sea has very significant geographical and historical importance in separating the continents of Asia and Africa and serving as a vital link between East and West. Known by various names throughout history, including Sinus Arabicus by the ancient Greeks and the Sea of Qulzum by the Arabs, the sea derives its characteristic “redness” either from the colour of the mountains lining its shores or from the presence of coral reefs within its waters. 

This distinctive hue is further enhanced by red-pigmented algae and plankton that, when illuminated by sunlight, give the Sea its reddish appearance.

The Red Sea reserves stand out as crucial and diverse natural sanctuaries in Egypt, encompassing both coastal and marine areas, islands, and mangrove forests. Among the notable marine reserves is Wadi Al-Gemal Island, which is renowned for hosting a large population of hawks and resident and migratory bird species like sea gulls, swallows, ospreys, spoonbills, and rock herons. 

The island is also renowned for its exquisite diving sites, sea turtle habitats, mangrove trees, and surrounding reefs.

The four Hamata Islands of Shwarit, Sial, Um Al-Sheikh, and Mahabes form another prominent group in the Red Sea reserves and are distinguished for their world-class diving locations. The Satayeh Reefs are the second home to spinner dolphins after the Samadai Beach, also on the Red Sea.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 29 August, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly