Resource information
The intensive development of tourism in
the Gulf of Aqaba presents both an opportunity and a dilemma
for Egypt. Intensive tourism, if left unmanaged, can inflict
irreversible damage on coral reef and desert ecosystems and
curtail the area's economic potential. Together with
current projections for a rapid expansion of the tourism
base in the Aqaba coast, degradation from mounting
recreational activities give rise to serious concerns about
the sustainability of tourism development in the region. The
challenge is to plan for economic development within a sound
environmental framework. Implementing the Gulf Of Aqaba
Environmental Action Plan (GAEAP) would protect marine
resources, including coral reefs and fisheries, and conserve
the aesthetic attributes of the Gulf environment and waters
upon which the tourist industry depends. This action plan
comprises activities in nine categories: institutional
strengthening, enforcement of legal and regulatory framework
at the South Sinai Governorate level, management of marine
pollution, flood and earthquake protection, water and
wastewater management, solid waste management, protected
areas management, public awareness and environmental
education, and assures sustainability of environmental
protection in the Gulf of Aqaba. The highest priority
actions are decentralizing the institutions to have a
presence on the ground, and enforcing the legal and
regulatory framework for implementing curative and
preventive environmental measures.
