The NGOs at the Red Sea area are very active in the field of environmental protection. The 

active involvement of the NGOs is a result of the comprehensive support they obtained 

from the governor of the region and from the Ministry of State for Environment, in addition 

to local investors. The Red Sea Association for Diving & Water Sports is the governorate's 

umbrella for NGOs activities in the field of environmental protection in the region.     

The Association was established in October 2000 including more than 518 members 

representing private sector s marine activities in Red Sea area.    

The Association s goals and objectives include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Establishing, implementing and upholding standards for safety and quality for diving 

and marine activities and services. 

Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and promotional plan to 

increase the competition of the Red Sea as a dive travel destination. 

Putting in place a code of conduct for all operators in the industry and create a security 

fund for professionals. 

Creating a broad training program to generate new cards of young and qualified 

professionals and upgrade the profession quality of existing ones. 

Developing, rationalizing and diversifying the current map of dive sites with a view to 

increase the competitiveness attraction of the Red Sea areas while preserving the 

environment. 

Establishing an information center and hotline for inquiries, problems and emergences 

etc.  

Planning and organizing national and international exhibitions and events to promote 

Red Sea. 

Providing advisory and consistent service for existing and potential professionals and 

investors.  

Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) is one of the 

active members of the Association. It was developed as a pressure group to protect the 

environment of Hurghada city and to install numerous mooring buoys at reefs off the coast 

of Hurghada. HEPCA's primary focus is in the field of marine environmental protection. It 

has implemented a number of successful projects in that area. The installation of the 

Mooring System and its maintenance is one of the organization's most successful efforts in 

environment protection field.    

In general, the Association has established and maintained a good working relationship 

with governmental agencies at both central and local levels, in addition to community 

organizations.  Specifically, their working relationship with the Red Sea rangers is excellent 

since organizing joint patrolling and reporting violations of environment law.  

Areas for Improvement: 

In addition to enhancing the current role of the NGOs in environment protection 

activities, it is recommended to enlarge its involvement in rangers' activities, mainly in 

the area of environmental awareness rising.  

1.1.7.  Private Sector       

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