In recent years SCUBA diving has become an increasingly popular activity. The Red Sea coral reefs are considered by many experts to be one of the natural wondersOn a weekly basis, Hurghada receives tourists by the thousands whose activities range from SCUBA diving, snorkeling to sport fishing. A fleet of over 1000 boats provides access to a series of offshore islands and coral reefs including Giftun, Abu Ramada and Megawish. Anchoring on the fragile coral reefs found in these areas has caused great damage to the marine eco-system
12 Members of the diving community in Hurghada and Safaga established HEPCA-Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association- in 1992.
The charter members decided to respond to the problem of direct anchoring on the reef, with the installation of 100 mooring buoys and lines to prevent further damage on some of the most popular reefs.
In 1995 HEPCA was registered with the Red Sea Governorate and the Ministry of Social Affairs as a -Non Governmental - Non Profit Making - Organization.
The USAID United States Agency for International Development and the EEAA-Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, contracted HEPCA for the installation and the maintenance of the Mooring systems due to HEPCA's experience in this field. HEPCA has installed and is currently maintaining more than 380 mooring systems in Hurghada, Safaga, the South coast and the Far Islands of the Red Sea.
A maintenance and monitoring program is in place to keep the mooring systems in good condition. All mooring systems data are logged in a special computer software. The software specifies essential data like the buoy code, location, depth, installation type, current maintenance cost and all essential and technical information.
In addition to the installation and maintenance of more than 380 mooring systems, HEPCA organize various training activities for the boating community and the marine society of the Red Sea Governorate.
During the installation of the mooring systems, more than 250 boat skippers have received environmental awareness training in addition to training on proper use of the moorings. CONTINUE ====>
What is HEPCA
Outreach Programs
Mooring
Board of Directors
Members