Fatshimetrie recently had the privilege of witnessing an unprecedented coral reef rehabilitation project being carried out in Hurghada, in the Red Sea. After nearly a decade of experimentation at three damaged sites, environmental researchers from the Abu Salam Environmental Association and Red Sea Reserves, in scientific collaboration with the Department of Marine Sciences of the University’s Faculty of Sciences Al-Azhar, announced the success of this initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Program through the Global Environment Facility.
This innovative project aims to replant and rehabilitate damaged coral reefs in a natural way. Mohamed Abdelghani, executive director of the project at the Abu Salam Association, considers it one of the most successful environmental projects in its category. During a recent inspection, it was observed that many types of hard and soft corals were growing on the plantation models, along with various other colorful sea creatures and fish.
The success of this natural rehabilitation opens new perspectives for environmental researchers. It also highlights the importance of restoring damaged areas of coral reefs, and proposes integrating these restoration costs into the fines imposed by law on those responsible for the destruction.
Hashim Madkour, President of the Abu Salam Association, praised the scientific collaboration between the association, the Nature Reserves Sector, the Faculty of Sciences of Al-Azhar University and the United Nations Development Program through the Fund for the Global Environment.
This innovative project goes beyond the study and monitoring phases to take action. It represents a successful model for the rehabilitation of damaged coral reefs in the Red Sea. The aim is to restore coral reefs by providing artificial surfaces made of environmentally friendly materials, favorable for the natural growth of coral larvae. The project also addresses challenges facing coral reefs, such as recreational activities and unsustainable human activities.
Madkour stressed that this coral reef restoration and planting project serves as a model for the efforts of civil society organizations in conserving the natural resources of the Red Sea. Emphasis is placed on establishing 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.
Aiming at the rehabilitation of three damaged coral reef areas in the Hurghada region, notably at Makadi Bay, Abu Sodfa and the Abu Minqar Lighthouse, plantation models were installed and successfully received hard coral larvae and soft which grew successfully. The success of this experiment encourages the creation of new coral reef planting sites in other damaged areas.