Unchecked tourism development imperils one of Egypt's pristine coastal areas
In Egypt, the proposed development of a resort at Ras Hankorab within the Wadi al-Gemal National Park has sparked significant controversy. The construction, which began in March 2025, was halted after protests from the environment ministry and conservationists when the deal and project details became public.
The legal status of the project is questionable, as the contract was signed between an investment company and a government entity not managing the national park. Environmental lawyer Ahmed al-Seidi argues that the deal is "null and void" under the nature reserves law and existing legal regulations protecting the park.
Environmental and ecosystem concerns are also prevalent. Ras Hankorab is one of Egypt's last undisturbed Red Sea beaches, home to endangered green turtles that nest there and coral gardens considered resilient to climate change. The planned development could introduce noise, artificial lights, and heavy human activity that threaten these delicate ecosystems, marine life, and the turtles' nesting habits.
Recently, a new gate was installed at the site, with entry fees increased fivefold to 300 Egyptian pounds (~$6). However, the issuing authority for tickets remains unclear. Some improvements such as toilets, umbrellas, towels, and sun loungers have been added, with promises of further facilities like cafes. However, this infrastructure development occurred in legal and administrative ambiguity, raising further concerns over management and conservation.
Thousands of people have signed petitions calling to "Save Hankorab" following the discovery of the secretive contract. Parliamentary and public inquiries have met with limited transparency, with officials unable to identify the company behind the development or provide environmental assessments.
The environment ministry has protested the development deal, but construction has not been definitively halted. The halt is currently in place, but authorities have provided no guarantees that the development will not resume.
The Red Sea is a key part of Egypt's plan to attract 30 million visitors by 2028. However, the legal and environmental uncertainty surrounding the development deal at Ras Hankorab leaves the management and future of one of Egypt's last wild Red Sea shores unresolved. The lack of transparency and failure to follow environmental protocols amplify risks to this vital marine and coastal ecosystem.
References: 1. Environmental concerns over Ras Hankorab resort development 2. Thousands sign petition to save Ras Hankorab 3. Legal challenges for Ras Hankorab resort development 4. Egypt pushes for investment in Red Sea coastline 5. MP Maha Abdel Nasser seeks answers regarding Ras Hankorab development
Read also:
- "Germany appears less environmentally friendly compared to Texas, according to Harald Lesch's climate documentary"
- Increased wolf hunt efforts proposed in Tirol
- Despite the ongoing climate catastrophe, substantial cost savings can be achieved through preventative measures
- Unraveling Barclays' blueprint for transforming the UK's hydrogen aspirations into tangible outcomes
