Abu Dabbab and Marsa Alam megafauna and habitat conservation pilot project


The problem:

To the north of Marsa Alam city there is a large sandy bay with a vast field of sea grass. A pair of dugong (critically endangered-IUCN), a group of resident green turtles, guitar sharks and the fringing coral reefs make Abu Dabbab a unique tourist attraction and conservation area. The dugong and turtles depend on the sea grass in this bay as their primary source of food. The continuous presence of tourists touching and disturbing the animals, the lights and noise on the beach at night (a result of the tremendous growth of the tourist industry) puts these animals and the coral reefs under increased pressure.

To avoid the disappearance of these animals from the Egyptian coast, we want to work on one of the immediate required actions: public awareness rising.

There is a lack of public awareness about dugong and turtle in the area: hardly any briefings are given to any tourists upon arrival, regarding the need for protection and adherence to simple rules relating to dugong and turtles. It is extremely important to inform all visitors before they arrive at the bay. The tour operators in this area must give their tour leaders and guides more specific information about excursions within the marine environment. The snorkel and dive guides also need to be instructed on how to conduct a briefing with their guests.

A more sustainable approach to marine tourism in Abu Dabbab is urgent..

Purpose of the journey:

You can contribute to dissemination of the information that can help conserve this unique bay, by making oral presentations to hotel guests about marine life and the endangered status of dugong, by contacting tour leaders and hotel owners.