In the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea, a silent marine revolution is taking place. After almost a decade of experimentation at three environmentally damaged sites, environmental researchers from the Abu Salam Environmental Association and Red Sea Reserves, in scientific collaboration with the Department of Marine Sciences at the Faculty of Science Al-Azhar University, announced the success of the project to rehabilitate destroyed coral reefs in Hurghada.
Mohamed Abdelghani, executive project director at Abu Salam Association, described the project as one of the most successful in the field of rehabilitating and reforesting coral reefs in a natural way. During the recent inspection of the planting patterns, the growth of many types of hard and soft corals was observed, in addition to the appearance of many other sea creatures and colorful fish.
This success in the natural rehabilitation of coral reefs opens new avenues for environmental researchers, highlighting the need to restore damaged coral reef areas and potentially incorporate these restoration costs into the fines imposed by law on those responsible of destruction.
This project is the first of its kind in the region to move from the study and monitoring phase to that of active participation in solving environmental problems, representing a successful model for the rehabilitation of damaged coral reefs in the Red Sea.
Hashim Madkour, president of the Abu Salam Association, praised the scientific collaboration between the association, the Natural Reserves Sector, the Faculty of Sciences of Al-Azhar University and the United Nations Development Program financed by the Fund for the Global Environment (GEF).
This project aims to rehabilitate coral reefs in destroyed areas along the coast by providing artificial surfaces made from environmentally compatible materials and suitable for receiving coral larvae and growing naturally. The project also aims to address challenges facing coral reefs, such as recreational activities and unsustainable human activities.
Madkour explained that the coral reef restoration and reforestation project serves as a model for civil society organizations’ efforts to conserve the Red Sea’s natural resources. This is achieved through the implementation of scientific monitoring programs, environmental research and awareness raising activities on the value of biodiversity in the Red Sea, thereby promoting positive change and environmental conservation.
Madkour further explained that the project aims to rehabilitate three areas of damaged coral reefs in the Hurghada region, namely Makadi Bay, Abu Sodfa and Abu Minqar Lighthouse. Models were installed in all three areas and all successfully received hard and soft coral larvae which thrived. The success of the rehabilitation and planting experiment encourages the creation of new coral reef planting sites in other damaged areas.
This initiative demonstrates that collaboration between diverse stakeholders, scientific research and community engagement can significantly contribute to the preservation and restoration of fragile marine ecosystems. The success of this coral reef restoration in the Red Sea highlights the importance of conserving biological diversity and committing to environmental protection for future generations.