Rsds Business Portfolio 2010

The Eco-diving Adventure Red Sea Diving Safari 20 Years of Adventure 1990 - 2010

The Eco-diving Adventure Red Sea Diving Safari 20 Years of Adventure 1990 - 2010

red sea diving safari the eco-diving adventure

My Dear Guest, 2010 marks 20 years since I began my exploration of the southern Red Sea. When I first arrived here this region was frontier land with absolutely nothing but barren desert and fringing reef coastline. The pristine beauty of this exotic and hostile eco-system fascinated me. The regions coastline appears as a tropical paradise with its white-sand beaches, coastal mangroves, and fringing coral reefs. Running parallel this azure blue coastline is a desert terrain of carved canyons and passages. Both eco-systems are teeming with life. Intriguing in the stunning design of its coral reefs, the Red Sea’s eco-system sustains an overwhelming variety of marine flora and fauna. The Red Sea is home to over 200 different coral species, 1,000 invertebrate species, and 1,200 fish species, 10% of which are found nowhere else in the world. This diversity is due in part to the fringing coral reef extending along the coastline, some of which is over 5,000 years old! The region has gained a very strong reputation amongst scuba divers because of its pristine reefs and diverse marine life. While off-shore boat diving is very popular, the nature of the coastline equally lends itself to remarkable shore-based diving. Since I first explored this region I was always concerned with how this area would develop. I started looking for a model that could combine my passion for nature and diving with tourism development. Such a rich and diverse eco-system both marine and terrestrial makes this place the ideal location for such a tourism model. Sightings of spinner dolphins, dugongs, turtles, mantas, and sharks are a frequent occurrence for those venturing into these waters. Numerous islands are a short distance from the coast, which are beautiful for boat excursions and snorkeling. Some of these islands are protected areas and home to birds and turtles. The indigenous “Ababda” tribes’ cohabitating the deserts offer great potential for cultural tourism. The abundance of wildlife here also offers potential for wildlife tourism. The desert is home to gazelle, the nubain ibex, the Hyrax and others. Wild camels are also abundant and feed on the vegetation of the desert. National parks such as Wadi el Gemal are featuring coastal mangroves which are home to many bird species such as the osprey and goliath heron. Geological tourism includes a variety of landscape, mines, and quarries. There are also many archeological sites dating back to the Roman times and many examples of rock art dating back to pre-historic times. In short, the region of the southern Red Sea offers immense potential for a tourism model that is both culture and nature based. Our vision for the south is a destination that can be associated with cultural and environmental awareness. Through our tourism model and strong business ethics Red Sea Diving Safari has grown into a world class diving destination People from every corner of the world are visiting our villages to explore this region and learn about our efforts. I would like to especially thank our valued guests who witnessed this dream grow throughout the years. It is only once or twice a year that we are together, but the memories of all those special adventures are always in the heart. It is our valued guests and partners who have made the adventure all that more special.

C.E.O. Red Sea Diving Safari

HOSSAM HELMY

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Board of Directors the eco-diving adventure

Abdullah Mohammed Board of Director Finance and HR Manager Mohammed Hossam Board of Director Operations and Project Manager Julien Stein Board of Director Diving Manager Rami Abdelmoneim Board of Director Marketing and Development Manager Yasmine Ezzat Board of Director Corporate Development Rafik Farouk Board of Director Rooms Division

Our Organization Red Sea Diving Safari is made up of a team of industry professionals with many years of background in their particular field. Our team is acknowledged as the leaders of tourism and diving management in the southern Red Sea. Our services are very diverse and we specialize in the following business fields: 1 Tourism and Hotel Management 2 Diving Center Management 3 Media and Publication 4 Regional Consultation 5 Marketing and Businesses Development Planning 6 Marketing Research 7 Sustainable Management Planning 6

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Marsa Shagra the eco-diving adventure

the diving shade

cafeteria Shagra bay relaxing area jetty and speed boat

restaurant unlimited diving

Marsa Shagra

Accommodation (all-inclusive)

It was at Marsa Shagra where we pioneered our “unlimited diving” concept, which gives our divers a real sense of exploration and adventure. Buddy teams are allowed to sign out on a white board and take a speed boat for various designated dive profiles within our house reef. We have found that this diving operation allows our guests to still feel that sense of adventure that we become so famous for.

Our villages are small because we maintain a minimal-impact policy towards the environment. The maximum occupancy in Shagra is 220 people and our guests take advantage of an exclusively private experience. Our villages are simple and elegant with traditional eastern style domed architecture. Every guest room enjoys an unobstructed sea view and Shagra features 4 accommodation types.

Tent: standard twin occupancy tent with electricity outlet. Communal bathroom facilities are in the vicinity.

Alternatively, we are also departing twice a day by truck to explore some of the other bays near the village. Our special high-performance RIB’s can also be taken to off-shore reefs such as Elphinstone or Shabb Abu Dabbab. It’s a lot of variety for all level of divers.

Royal Tent: large twin occupancy tents with king size bed, fan, mini-bar, and seating area both inside and outside. Communal bathroom facilities are in the vicinity.

Our long term vision is for Marsa Shagra to be dedicated as a conservation and heritage center, which will celebrate the southern Red Sea’s pristine eco-system and natural heritage. This project will be in collaboration with HEPCA, which has plans to build a scientific research center near Marsa Abu Dabbab. The idea is to celebrate the heritage of the southern Red Sea through informational posters, videos, books, presentations, and lectures. This project will be the first of its kind in the whole of the Red Sea and an entirely new tourism concept.

royal tent

This center will be the culmination of my life’s work, which I am happy to see that my children will be bringing to life in the very near future.

Diving Program - Unlimited Diving - Diving by RIB - Daily Boat Diving

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chalet

Hut: twin occupancy stonewall hut modernly furnished with communal bathroom facilities in the vicinity. Chalet: twin occupancy guest rooms with either single bed or king size bed. Chalets are modernly furnished with bathroom facilities and also feature a terrace with seating area. Chalet with mini-bar and A/C is optional.

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Marsa Nakari the eco-diving adventure

the daily boat

Nakari bay

cafeteria

jetty and speed boat

the diving shade

Marsa Nakari During the times of the Roman Empire several trade routes connected the Mediterranean world with the Far East. This trade was carried on for many centuries through the Red Sea ports onto the Nile. From here goods were carried overland to the Mediterranean ports of the Roman Empire. Records show that this route was also taken in reverse to as far as the Indian Ocean. Roman historians refer to 6 main ports along the Red Sea coastline; Clysma, Myos Hormos, Philoteras, Leukos Limen, Nechesia and Berenice. Thanks to the hard works of a few archeologists we now have extensive information and the exact locations of these ancient ports. In 1992 we first explored the beautiful bay of Marsa Nakari and in 1995 decided to establish our second operation there. The location seemed ideal for our diving operation because it was very near to a variety of off-shore dive sites including Sammadai. nechasia What made this location unique were the remains of an ancient ruin on top of a hill towards the southern end of the bay. We later discovered that this site was the ancient Roman port of Nechesia. The ruins indicate that the port was built of anhydrite gypsum blocks, which must have given the town a very bright appearance. The entire complex covers an area approximately 177-191m north to south by 55m east to west. There is indication from the ruins and general layout that this was a militarized Roman port. This expansive and sheltered bay would have been an ideal station for Roman ships traveling their long journeys to the Far East.

daily boat

Diving Program Unlimited Diving Package: buddy teams can sign out at their convenience and take a speed boat for 6 designated dive patterns on our house reef. This package also offers 2 guided truck dives per day to the bays along the coast. Tanks and weights included. Diving by RIB: our high-performance RIB’s can be booked for diving excursions to the local off-shore sites. Each one of our villages offers various sites to choose from and this is the ideal way to enjoy traditional boat diving while being land-based.

Daily Boat Diving: we offer a daily boat diving program to some of the popular dive sites in the south. Trips are usually departing in the morning for 2 dives and the boat returns to the village in the evening time. Boat Diving Safari: “Living the Passion” is an over-night excursion that includes 7 dives in the Fury Shoals and snorkeling with the dolphins of Satayah.

Excavations that began in 1999 have unearthed hundreds of beads, pottery, oil lamps, glass and alloy nails, and nearly a dozen Roman coins. The results of this study have been partly published in the Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 38; 2001:77-78. This was a day of discovery and great fortune for the Red Sea Diving Safari team. Many other days such as these would follow as we continue to explore the region and learn about its history.

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Accommodation (all-inclusive) - Tent - Royal Tent - Hut - Chalet

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Wadi Lahami the eco-diving adventure

the mangrove

the speed boat kite and windsurf lagoon

Wadi Lahami bay

Wadi Lahami Every now and then I get the sudden sensation of having to get away from everyone and everything. It’s this felling that brought me to the south in the first place, so it doesn’t really surprise me… I know it’s time to head to Lahami. Shagra and Nakari have witnessed considerable development in recent times, but Lahami still remains very small. Diving here is of course by RIB to the magnificent Fury Shoal reefs. These reefs are probably the most pristine dive sites in the whole of the Red Sea. One of the most unique aspects of Lahami is the mangrove area just north of the village. Many waders and shore birds are living and nesting here and it is a beautiful site to bird watch. You can always expect to see ospreys which are nesting here year round. Some of the more common birds are the White Heron, Night Heron, Striated Heron and sometimes the Spoonbill. The Sooty Falcon is common in the summer as well as the White-eyed Gull, and the Whitecheeked and Caspian tern. Sometimes we are even fortunate enough to see Flamingos including the Pink Flamingo. In fall and spring thousands of small birds like Swallows, Stonechats, Pipits, Wagtails and Kingfisher can be seen. I consider this area one Egypt’s last frontiers and an extremely valuable natural resource. Every diver should visit Lahami once in their life and see for themselves what the reefs of the Red Sea looked like 20 years ago.

Accommodation (all-inclusive)

goliath heron

Activities Snorkeling: our villages are ideal for snorkeling and free diving due to our beautiful reefs and abundance of marine life. Bird Watching: Wadi Lahami has recently become very popular with bird watchers due to many different species being observed in the neighboring mangroves. These include the osprey, white heron, night heron, striated heron and sometimes the spoonbill. The sooty falcon is common in the summer as well as the whiteeyed gull, and the white-cheeked and caspian tern. In fall and spring thousands of small birds like swallows, stonechats, pipits, wagtails and kingfisher can be seen. kite surf

Kite & Wind Surfing: Red Sea Diving Safari is operating a Wind & Kite Surf Station in Wadi Lahami. A fully insured and qualified Instructor is on-site offering introductions, weekly courses, and the latest design in rental equipment. Desert Adventures: spend magical moments exploring the desert by car, quad, camel or horse. Choose from trips to Shalateen, Astronomy Tours, Bedouin encounters, land sailing and overnight desert safaris. www.redseadesertadventures.com

- Tent - Royal Tent - Chalet

Diving Program - Diving by RIB - Daily Boat Diving 12

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Pioneer Divers the eco-diving adventure

Pioneer Divers

Kahramana pool

diving center

beach

Pioneer Divers Pioneer Divers is our diving management company, offering our partners the same professional and high quality diving services we have become so famous for. Our team can provide you with diving management services including; consultation, diving services, and diving operations management. We also offer all our partners use of our house-reefs and RIB’s to enjoy the same easy access to diving hot-spots like Elphinstone.

snorkeling and diving Pioneer Divers offers a variety of sites by land or sea - Daily diving trips by truck - Diving by Rib/Boat - Daily snorkeling trips by truck - Snorkeling Trips by Boat

Since 2000 our team has been managing the diving and watersport center of Kahramana Resort and Calimera Habiba Beach Resort. The resorts are considered some of the best in the south and they offer high quality hotel facilities like swimming pools, animation, bars, disco’s, restaurants and private beaches.

courses

We offer the following diving courses - PADI: Bubblemakers, Open Water to Assistant Instructor. (children from age 8; available im all locations). - PADI: Nitrox Courses EANx up till 40%, Discover Scuba Diving (available in all locations).

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Conservation Efforts the eco-diving adventure

Conservation Efforts Eco-diving is what we refer to as an environmentally friendly and educative diving concept. This is a rare and unforgettable experience where nature lovers engage in exciting team work and learn about marine biology and underwater eco-systems. Our team not only believes in enforcing environmentally friendly diving practices, but also the need to generate awareness about the threats that reef eco-systems and marine life are facing. We are also very active in promoting and organizing conservation efforts. Below is a list of our efforts;

RSDS Environmentally Friendly Diving Practices:

• Environmentally oriented dive briefings • No tolerance for irresponsible and care less diving • Supporting implementation of mooring systems • Minimizing disturbance to marine life • Maximum 200 divers per day in our house-reef • Reef Check surveying • Proper solid waste disposal systems • Recycling water • Daily clean up of bay and surrounding areas • Yearly Clean Up Event with HEPCA

Educative Diving Experience:

• Eco-diving Certification - Reef Check – Stephan Moldzio • Marine Biology Workshop - Stephan Moldzio • Fish Watch Workshop - Patrick Louisy • Sharkschool – Dr. Erich Ritter

Initiating and Supporting Environmental Protection Projects:

• Creation of a Marine Park in Shaa’b Samadai (Dolphin House) • Protection of Marsa Abu Dabbab and the Dugong • Reporting mooring system status to HEPCA • Shark protection and monitoring campaign • Monitoring and reporting violation of governorate rules • Marsa Alam solid waste treatment plan

Supporting Environmental Protection and Responsible Diving Agencies: 16

• Member of HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Agency) • Ambassador Center of Longitude 181 (publisher of the Responsible Diver guidelines) • Member of Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Watersports • Official Reef Check Sponsor 17

Founding of HEPCA the eco-diving adventure

Founding of HEPCA In 1992 members of the diving community founded a non-governmental organization called HEPCA. Their primary objectives were the protection and conservation of marine ecology and the underwater environment of the Red Sea. HEPCA is today considered the Red Sea’s foremost authority in developing sustainable management strategies. One of HEPCA’s first projects was the installation and maintenance of a mooring system for the Red Sea reefs. The project has evolved into the largest mooring system in the world with over 1000 moorings points throughout the Red Sea. HEPCA is heavily involved in awareness raising activities, activism, marine research, and even solid waste management systems. HEPCA’s lobbying efforts have resulted in more than 30 laws and decrees being established including the 1998 ban on shark fishing in the Red Sea. Their work in collaboration with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) has ensured that laws protecting the Red Sea’s eco-system are being enforced. They have designated many precious diving areas as marine protectorates or national parks, which are policed and safeguarded by the Red Sea Rangers. The Red Sea Diving Safari team is delighted to share the stories of our triumphs against the industrialization machine. We hope it will inspire you to involve yourself and stand up before it’s too late.

Yearly clean up Event with HEPCA

Solid Waste Management Plant Marsa Alam

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HEPCA’s lobbying efforts have resulted in more than 30 laws and decrees being established including the 1998 ban on shark fishing in the Red Sea.

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Marsa Abu Dabbab the eco-diving adventure

dugong

Marsa Abu Dabbab

In late 2007, HEPCA created and successfully implemented a management strategy for Marsa Abu Dabbab. A zoning line preventing boat traffic inside the bay was subsequently installed. Boats were no longer permitted to bring divers or snorkelers inside the bay, limiting the number of users per day. The Rangers began to actively patrol the bay ensuring that the animals were not molested.

Marsa Abu Dabbab is considered one of the most popular bays in the southern Red Sea. The bay has been the center of international interest because of its resident Dugong and Giant Green Turtles.

Scientific research and data collection was also initiated, as well an awareness campaign to educate divers and guests alike.

Dugongs spend most of their life in the shallow coastal areas grazing on sea grass beds. These slow-moving mammals reach up to four meters in length and can weigh up to 1,000 kilograms. Marsa Abu Dabbab is home to one of the largest patches of sea grass in the region. These sea grass beds are of enormous ecological importance and sustain an overwhelming amount of marine life. Estimates put the total Dugong population at 4,000 in the whole of the Red Sea, with only 7 documented along the southern Red Sea coastline. The dugong is considered an endangered species and is currently among the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In recent years dugongs have been steadily retreating from their Red Sea coast because of tourist development. Eutrophication from industrial runoff and habitat destruction constitute the 2 greatest threats to the Dugongs of the Red Sea. The Dugongs and Turtles of Marsa Abu Dabbab are also disturbed by the many hundreds of divers, snorkelers, and swimmers that are visiting the bay every day. The bay is shared by 3 resorts that collectively make up about 900 rooms. In high season months it is common to find up to 500 visitors per day.

At conclusion of this project Amr Ali, Managing Director of HEPCA stated: “the plan represents a collaboration of an unprecedented kind. This case is revolutionary for the Red Sea and the diving industry here. For once, everyone seems to have got their priorities right. This is not about money, about competition, or about being forced to act by law. Protecting the environment is everyone’s concern and for the first time, at Abu Dabab, we are all working together on this. This shows great promise for the future, and shows that the diving and tourism industry has the potential to be self-regulatory here.”

The Giant Green Turtles of Marsa Abu Dabbab are also at risk due to certain human influences. They also suffer from the stress of the tourist crowds and the destruction of their habitat.

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Shaab Samadai the eco-diving adventure

The Samadai Project Beginning in 2001 Dolphin house became the center of “dolphin frenzy.” Hundreds of people traveled from as far as Hurgahda to play with the resident spinner dolphins. In a single day Samadai was hosting up to 30 boats and 500-800 people. Inexperienced snorkelers were coming in close proximity to the lagoon with no regard to the resting dolphins. Tourist activities were beginning to cause pressures on the dolphin, which led to a visible decrease of the population in a very short time. In the summer of 2001 a boat caught fire near the reef and the situation had become unbearable for the dolphins of Samadai. Immediate action had to be taken to protect this precious sanctuary. We were in contact with a French Marine Biologist named Patrick Louisy and he came to visit us with a group of his students. He created a detailed report after his study and created a zoning plan for the site. I personally presented the findings to our governor and was able to convince him to implement the plan. The management plan was eventually signed by the governor, HEPCA, the Red Sea Diving Association, and the EEAA.

The maximum capacity for the site was set at 10 boats and 100150 visitors per day. The site management plan focuses on 7 main targets. 1. Implementing a zoning plan for the sheltered area to create a restricted zone for; (a) the exclusive use of the dolphins (b) snorkeling activities (c) boat mooring (d) diving 2. Establishing a best practice guidelines 3. Implement a proper monitoring program 4. Restricting the day time use for visitors (10:00 am 2:00 pm) 5. Implement a service fee system 6. Strengthen law enforcement process 7. Implement a public awareness program

spinner dolphins Today the dolphins of Samadai live a care-free life in harmony with the daily visiting tourists. It’s an amazing and truly fulfilling experience to be able to interact with these animals in their natural habitat. I consider the Samadai project a model of sustainable development planning, which should be adopted all over the world.

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Elphinstone Reef the eco-diving adventure

Elphinstone Elphinstone never fails to deliver and it should be no surprise that it is ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the whole world. This reef is a sanctuary for a variety of pelagic species including; oceanic white tip, white and black tip reef shark, scalloped hammerhead, tiger shark, grey reef shark, silver tip shark, and many others. This 375m oblong shaped reef is located approximately 6km from the coastline. The reef is angled slightly to the north, which usually causes a current over the northern and southern plateaus. Some sharks frequent the area seasonally and over the years we have tracked oceanic white tip from September to November - scalloped hammerhead from June to August. In March during plankton season it is not uncommon to see mantas and sometimes even whale sharks. In recent years the site has become one of the most popular dives in the Red Sea. It is in the standard route for any of the live-aboard companies operating in the region. The amount of tourism activity here in recent years is starting to become a concern. Aside from its uniqueness as a sanctuary for an abundance of pelagic species, this natural resource is generating our country a significant amount of money. It is estimated that one shark alone brings about $120,000 from tourists each year. Since 2008 our team has implemented a shark monitoring program in Elphinstone. Our dive guides have all been trained to recognize shark species and there characteristics. During our briefing we encourage our guest to make a note of the sharks they see. After every dive we collect the data and fill out a standard form which includes questions about; species, sex, size, and exact location. The information is then uploaded to our database for further research.

manta ray

whale shark

Beginning in June of 2008 the Red Sea Rangers conducted a 6 month study of human impact on sharks at various dive sites in the Red Sea. These sites included; Elphinstone Reef, Daedalus Reef, Big Brother Island, Small Brother Island, Zabargad Island, Rocky Island and Habili Ali. In total they spent 194 hours of field study and made 138 dives. 5 different species of shark were encountered in 110 of these dives and a total of 292 specimens were recorded.

Their report sums it up pretty well; “The frequency of encounters in Elphinstone Reef is considerably lower than in the other study areas. Human presence was recorded during almost all the dives: 134 cases on the total of 138 dives, with a presence of a total of 971 boats and 15,601 divers. Both the mean number of divers and the mean number of boats recorded for each dive are higher for Elphinstone Reef than in the other study sites. In Elphinstone Reef the high amount of boats is also widely distributed for the entire area, making it impossible for the sharks to avoid human presence. The massive human presence in Elphinstone Reef is negatively affecting the presence of sharks and may also increase the probabilities attacks on humans may occur. The amount and conduct of boats of divers and boats frequenting this site need to be regulated by appropriate rules. It is therefore urgently necessary Elphinstone Reef is declared a protected area.” Human Impacts on Presence of Sharks at Diving Sites of the Southern Red Sea, Egypt Ahmed M. Shawky, Alessandro De Maddalena oceanic white tip shark

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The Fury Shoals the eco-diving adventure

The Fury Shoals

We have attempted as best we could to keep the Fury Shoals inconspicuous, as we feel it is the last true representation of what the Red Sea used to look like. The sites remoteness has kept it protected for now, but development projects have began springing up as tourism heads south. The recent building of a port in Hamata and the subsequent development of this small town will soon put the Fury Shoals complex in the spotlight.

If you would like to know how the Red Sea corals looked like 20 years ago, a dive trip to the Fury Shoals will show you just that. Everybody privileged to dive here has told me that this reef topography can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. The Fury Shoals can only be described as a labyrinth of sheer coral canyons. Some of the dive sites here are like a maze that you can easily become lost in if you are not careful. The Fury Shoals reef complex covers an area of approximately 60 square kilometers and there are approximately 25 different sites spread out over this area. For the last 20 years our team has conducted the most extensive mapping of the Fury Shoal reef complex. Our diving operation in Lahami is specializing in trips to the Fury Shoals and has many years of experience diving these reefs.

nudi branch

As development continues we must begin to formulate a management plan for the Fury Shoals reefs. Over the years we have actively tried to protect these reefs through various means. Besides sharing this information with our guests, we have produced publications and other media in an effort to disseminate this information. We are conducting Reef Check surveys at some assigned reefs, which are the first RC surveys that have been carried out in this site. Our team in Lahami attempted to implement a mooring system for the most frequented dive sites, but because of the sites vast range this has proven to be a challenge. The work that is so far being done here excites me and the coming generation now has the task of protecting one of Egypt’s most precious resources.

Abu galawa wreck

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Recycling Factory the eco-diving adventure

Many responsible investors in Hurgahada and Marsa Alam voluntarily joined the effort and built waste rooms for their garbage collection. HEPCA’s trucks are reliably transporting and collecting waste two times a day. The waste is separated into organic or non-organic and appropriately processed. Aside from the collection and recycling of waste, the project has also provided employment opportunities to the local community. Further employment and income is also generated through the selling of recyclable material. It is estimate that over 500 tons of rubbish is generated every day in Hurghada alone. Before HEPCA initiated its waste management strategy these 500 tons of waste ended up in either the desert or the sea. This garbage ends up killing many creatures sometimes slowly and painfully through entanglement or choking. Plastic bags especially pose great danger to some of the most precious marine species such as turtles, dolphins, and sharks that may die after swallowing a plastic bag. Coral reefs in some areas have also been smothered by bags that end up in the sea. Because of more than 10 years of accumulation there are still many areas in the desert littered in garbage. It is estimated that it takes up to 1,000 years for plastic bags to fully decompose back into the earth. Many of the wadi in the south are covered in garbage that must be removed without delay. The last time these wadis flooded was in 1996 and it is said that this phenomena occurs every 8-9 years. If this were to happen any time soon, 10 years of accumulated garbage along the entire coastline would end up in the sea. This can’t be allowed! January 1, 2009 is a historic day in which we achieved a great victory for the Red Sea. Red Sea Governor Magdi Kobeicy issued a plastic ban decree in a move that was long overdue. Lots of cleaning in the desert still remains to be completed but at least we have stopped one of the main sources of the problem. We ask you to please do your part by collecting trash and placing it in a proper bin.

Solid waste management plant Marsa Alam

Solid waste management plant Marsa Alam

The Red Sea’s Solid Waste Management System In early 2008 HEPCA developed a solid waste management system for the Red Sea in cooperation with USAID, the EEAA, the National Parks of Egypt, the Association for the Protection of the Environment (APE), and private investors. This Waste Management Strategy was a major step forward in our efforts to maintain a healthy eco-system for the Red Sea.

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Sharkschool the eco-diving adventure

“You’re told your whole life since you were a kid that sharks are dangerous. You are warned about venturing too far into the ocean. But then finally you’re underwater and you see the thing that you have been told your whole life to fear and its perfect. It doesn’t want to hurt you and it’s the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and your whole world changes.”

Research shows the disappearance of shark species could lead to the demise of other species, by upsetting the natural balance in the world’s oceans. Sharks are at the top of the food chain and essential for the survival of our oceans delicate eco-system.

Paul Watson - Sharkwater

Many efforts to protect sharks have been taken by such organizations as Shark Project and HEPCA. The international community has rallied to this call and supported our efforts.

Sharkschool

April 2006 was a great victory for the sharks of the Red Sea. The Red Sea Governate enacted a law prohibiting shark fishing, which made Egypt one of the first countries to ban the practice. The Red Sea governate received an award by Shark Project during BOOT Show 2006 for this great achievement.

We first met Chief Scientist of the Shark Research Institute Dr. Erich Ritter in April of 2006. His message immediately resonated with us and we decided to organize our first Sharkschool workshop in November of 2006. Educating divers about animal behavior is an important element in marine life protection. We will not protect something we fear, and so eradicating myths and fears about alleged dangerous animals is very important. The underlying theme of Erich’s program is to make people aware that there is no such thing as shark attacks, only shark accidents. There are no dangerous sharks, only dangerous situations, knowingly or unknowingly created by humans because they do not understand shark behavior. It is estimated that over 100 million sharks are killed each year because of their fins, as by-catch, or through “sport” fishing. In the past 20 to 30 years shark populations have dropped by 70% and nearly half of the world’s sharks are threatened with extinction. Fishers from all over the world catch and trade sharks for their lucrative fins. Finning as it is called is a horrific practice where the shark is finned alive and then the carcass thrown overboard and left to drown. The fins are used to make shark fin soup, a tasteless soup which has no health benefit whatsoever. This soup is a popular delicacy all over Asia, Thailand, and China. Industrial long-lining poses the second greatest threat to the sharks and many other species. These industrial fishing lines are hundreds of miles long and strung with baited hooks. Sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins, whales, sea lions and marlins get caught on the hooks and eventually drown. These animals are then discarded by the fishermen when the line is brought in. What makes these practices absurd is the wastefulness that takes place. 90% of the shark is discarded after fining and most of the unusable catch on the long line is also discarded.

Sharkwise In November of 2008 Red Sea Diving Safari was privileged to be involved in a new documentary film called Sharkwise featuring Marc Sluzny and Dr. Erich Ritter. This ground-breaking documentary film was released in March of 2009. The premise of this documentary movie is Marc’s new adventure diving with sharks in Mozambique. As a prelude to the Mozambique trip Marc and Erich met in Marsa Shagra for some diving with Oceanic White Tips at Elphinstone. Erich spent 3 days preparing and training Marc for his shark encounters and interaction in South Africa. What’s so unique about the film is that it all began as another one of Marc’s wild adventures. Somewhere along the line it becomes an eye-opening experience as Marc realizes the dangers these beautiful animals are facing. After diving and interacting with various shark species Marc realizes that sharks are paying the price for our misunderstanding of them. Finning, long-lining, and hunting are all practices that endanger sharks and may eventually lead to the extinction of these animals. It is scary to imagine what kind of catastrophic havoc this may have on our oceans and seas. We can’t allow this to happen and must act now to save sharks world-wide. The fact it seems is that we are the vicious monsters we have portrayed the sharks to be…

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Fish Watch the eco-diving adventure

Fish Watch Patrick Louisy is one of our most senior Marine Biologists and the founder of Peau-Bleue, an organization which offers a scientific approach to teach divers about marine life and ecology.

Blackfin barracuda

Cuddle fish

As a regular Red Sea Diving Safari guest and friend, Patrick shared special lectures with our guests about how marine life live together in symbiosis and how two completely different species benefit from each other. It’s a very interesting series of lectures that our guests have come to enjoy very much. Over the years Patrick has created a program called Fish Watch, which allows our guests to become involved in identifying fish species and documenting their existence in our reef. This method allows us to collect reliable scientific data that we plan to use for scientific reports and publications. Our guests can become actively involved in gathering field observations and thus participating in Red Sea Diving Safari’s reef health monitoring program.

During the program we learn how to identify fish, distinguish families, tell apart males from females, and adults from juvenile, etc. By the time the course is complete you will be experienced enough to start recording species you encounter during your dives. You can then help implement the fish species lists for different reef habitats and thus contribute to the Fish Watch program. The scientific goals of the workshop are to create a listing of fish species present in the different reef habitats of Marsa Shagra (outer and inner reef, reef flat, reef front and drop-off, caves, sandy bottom, sea grass, etc.) The data will also help us compare fish populations in the different reef habitats. Fish species identification also leads to comparing fish assemblages in different reef habitats. The use of a “qualitative” presence index (species accidental, rare but normally present, abundant or always present) will help assessing what species are characteristic of each habitat. Whatever your previous knowledge, you’ll be surprised to see how fast you can progress. The only requested skill is a bit of passion! Help Red Sea Diving Safari in their conservation of the Red Sea by participating in our Fish Watch workshop.

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Reef Check the eco-diving adventure

Reef Check Reef Check is the world’s largest international coral reef monitoring program and the United Nations official reef monitoring program. Reef Check is dedicated to global coral reef education, monitoring, and management by involving recreational divers and experienced marine scientists in community based team work and research. During February 20 - 22, 2009 the first Reef Check Eco Diver course was conducted at Marsa Shagra. It was an amazing experience for us to see and identify such a rich variety of marine life. The valuable information that we gathered will help us to determine the health of our reef and the negative effects of human impact. Our long term goal is to expand the monitoring program to all the most popular reefs of the south, in order to quantify reef health as tourism development continues to increase. Our Reef Check Team Scientist is a Marine Biologist named Stephan Moldzio, who studied Marine Biology at the IFM-GEOMAR in Germany. The course consists of a general introduction about coral reefs and about the goals and methods of Reef Check. This is followed by a fish ID presentation, invertebrate ID presentation, and a substrate ID presentation. Practical exercises help us remember these indicators species, which we will be collecting information about during our surveys.

Stephan Moldzio team scientist Our first survey was conducted just outside of the house reef on the northern side. “There are over 165 documented fish species for Marsa Shagra and the high species diversity and species abundances are promising interesting results for our longterm reef monitoring program.” The substrate survey showed a coral density of 39% in 7.4m and 50% in 3.5m depth. This data can be found in the Reef Check database. In December of 2009 we will be conducting the first ever survey of the Fury Shoals Reef. Help Red Sea Diving Safari in their conservation of the Red Sea by participating in our Reef Check program.

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Marine Biology Workshop the eco-diving adventure

RSDS Marine Biology Workshop As a way to promote interest in marine biology and research, the Red Sea Diving Safari team created a marine biology workshop as part of our eco-diving program. We offer our guests an interactive and scientifically based adventure through our eco-diving program. Together with other nature lovers you can learn about marine biology and underwater eco-systems. This is a rare and unforgettable experience where we engage in exciting team work and share our passion and knowledge about the Red Sea. The Marine Biology Workshop was developed by our Reef Check Scientific Leader Mr. Stephan Moldzio. This 4 day workshop consists of eco-diving followed by observation of algae, invertebrates, crustaceans and plankton specimens under a stereomicroscope. In the evening we hear lectures by Stephan about coral reef ecology and preservation.

Observation of specimens under the stereomicroscope.

Stereomicroscope

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Guests have told us that the best part of the workshop was all the diving followed by observation of specimens under the stereomicroscope. Here is a small summary of the experience by one of our staff members;

“We began our eco-dive on the north reef and were quickly distracted by a lovely school of Barracuda. You can always except to see something wonderful diving in our house reef. We carefully selected our rock and sand sample and proceeded back to the shore. The team couldn’t wait to begin studying the specimens under the stereomicroscope. It was an amazing experience to see this microscopic world so full of life. Many guests participated and we documented many different specimens. Stephen then connected the microscope to his PC so we could project the image on his screen and take pictures. At the end of the day we released everything back into the sea and prepared for our night dive. We then collected plankton samples and observed nocturnal marine life. Stephen’s lectures are a wonderful conclusion to this wonderful workshop!”

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Red Sea Desert Adventures the desert adventure

The Red Sea Desert Adventures The Eastern Desert of Egypt; miles and miles of unexplored virgin mountains and wadis. This expanse of rocks, sand and occasional vegetation has witnessed the rise and fall of many ancient civilizations over the centuries; each leaving its imprints on the land.

The Emerald Cities This tour combines some of the best sights of the Eastern Desert. Fantastic landscapes, the most spectacular archaeological sites and a night in the desert. Sighting of wildlife like gazelles is quite common during this trip.

Our program offer nature tours, landscape tours, historic tours to old Roman/Ptolemaic sites, cultural tours, camel riding/ hiking, as well as astronomical excursions.

We leave after an early breakfast and follow the Red Sea for one and a half hours to the National Park “Wadi el Gemal.” The park cuts through the mountain range from the East to the West. This Wadi was well known throughout history as an important trading route. Along the road we find many traces of history: roman caravan stations, tombs of the Blemmey tribe (the ancestors of the Bedouins), and more. After two hours off-road we reach an area where emeralds where mined since pharaonic times. We first arrive at the roman village of Geli. There the gems were prepared for their further transport to the Nile. It is one of the biggest ancient settlements in the area.

If you are interested in a special to‎ur we will do our best to arrange the tour to your liking. Desert dinners or mountain hiking for instance can be arranged. There is the possibility of combining trips - afternoon excursions with an Astro Tour or a dinner trip. Each tour requires a minimum of 4 participants. For the Astro Tour we need a minimum of 10 guests.

After a short drive we reach the village Marfuah. Also a roman settlement where emeralds were mined. From there we make a short walk over sand dunes to our lunch place.

Red Sea Desert Adventures offers you the opportunity to visit the Eastern Desert by car, camel, donkey or hiking. All our tours are led by the local Bedouins called Ababda. Red Sea Desert Adventures works in corporation with the local Bedouin tribes for the regional development of tourism.

Desert Sail The sailing area is a wide desert plain with excellent wind conditions.While you are having a break, the local Becouins prepare tea, coffee and cold drinks in their guesthouse. Sunset Tour We start this trip in the afternoon and arrive after a 20 minutes drive at he guesthouse. Here you enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins. They prepare Bedu-style coffee, tea and bread. A short camel ride will give you a taste of their way of travelling. Not far away is a well where they water their goats, sheep and camels. The place is perfect to enjoy the light show of the setting sun while disappearing behind the mountains. The Gold Tour This is a half-day trip to the ancient goldmines in the desert. On this excursion we research ancient history, confront ourselves with local environment and experience the nature’s beauty of the desert. From Nakari Bay we follow Wadi Anba Ut to the west. Near the shore there are the remains of a roman harbour which was the starting point for the caravan route we are partially following on this trip. Along the track we see different roman mining settlements where milling stones can be found. We also visit an old well with hieroglyphic rock drawings dating back to the Ptolemaic times. In the shade of an acacia tree the Bedouins will prepare refreshments such as tea and coffee.

Desert Sail

Sun Set Tour

Astro Tour The Eastern Desert’s night sky gives you a unique possibility for stargazing. Undisturbed by noise or light you really can experience the space surrounding our little planet Earth. The Astronomy Center of Marsa Alam is unique in Egypt. Built in the mountains of the desert it is undisturbed by noise or light from the nearby hotels.Our tours are lead by trained people who help you to understand the mystery of the Universe. We tell you about the star-signs and their mythologies, show you live-color images from our telescope on wide screen, and explain basic astrophysics.

Shelatin Shelatin is the most important tribal market in this part of southern Egypt and it is a melting-pot of different cultures. Sudanese bring camels and mostly handmade items to trade for goods not available in their country. You will meet the Rashaid, a wealthy beduoin tribe completely dressed in violet who are the main camel breeders. The Bishari and the Ababda are tribes that have their origins further south. They carry a whip or a dagger as symbols of their status. After finishing their business they return to which ever remote places they came from. Little shops are spread out over the market area with an incredible amount of various goods. The trip to Shelatin is a three hour drive. Please wear appropriate clothing that is loose and covering the shoulders and below the knees. These people are not used to our way of life and might get very offended by disrespectful clothing. Taking photos is possible but asking before helps to prevent. A Desert Night This is a night in the desert from sunset till late night by 4WD car and camel. There are two possibilities to reach our campsite deep in the mountains. We can go by car in one hour or by camels in about three hours. During the evening you will be attended by local people who make tea, coffee and dinner. On request the Bedouins can prepare goat for dinner; a local speciality.

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Portfolio the eco-diving adventure

1993

1994

1999

Onderwater Sport 1993 July

Diver 1994 October

Al Ahram 1999 June

2006 Kite Surfing 1

Diver 2006 June

Newsweek International 19 june 2006

Duiken 2006 June

2000 Tauchen 2000 February

Egyptian Reporter 2000 July

Dive 2000 August

Plongeur 2000

2007

2008

Explorer 2007 November

SubSea 2008 february

Unterwasser 2006 September

SubAqua 2006 June

Randoplanete 2008 March

Viaggiand 2006 November

Raid Objectif Planet 2008 November

Diver Magazine 2008 December

2001 Octopus 2001 June

Egyptian Reporter 2001 Sept.

Sportdykaren 2001 June

2002

2009

Dyk 2002 October

Sub 2009 February

Diver Magazine 2009 April

SubSea 2009 Spring

Austen Bannister

Mieux vendre en Mer Rouge 2009 April

2003 Sport Diver2003 november

Plongez Oceans 2003 Nov/Dec.

Octopus 2003 Dec.

2004

Plongee

Agypten

Plongeurs 2004 February

Plongee 2007

Plongee 2008

Agypten 2004

Marsa Alam toujours plus au Sud

Kite World 2008

Kite Surfing 2007

Agypten 2005

Agypten 2006

iViaggi 2004 May

2005 Tauchen 2005 August

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Diver 2005 October

Tauchen 2005 December

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Portfolio the eco-diving adventure

French TV 2001

Carnets de Plongee - French TV - 2002

Abenteuer Widnis 2005

Francis J. Ricciardone Jr - U.S Ambassador - with Mr. Hossam Helmy. 02 April 2007

Des Racines et des Ailes - French TV - 2007

Nile TV 2007 December

Partners French TV Objectif Atlantide 2008

Ahram 2008 January

French TV -Direct 8- 2008 May

Al Ahram 2008 November

BBC 2009 May 42

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This portfolio is a condensed version of our 20 Year Anniversary publication. If you are interested in reading the full version you can purchase one at our villages or contact [email protected]. Your support will ensure that we continue providing our partners and guests with media about the serious environmental issues threatening our world. These works are dedicated to the idea of returning back to simplicity and living in harmony with nature.

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Authored by: Abdelrahman Abdelmoneim Design team: Shantel Seoane Olivia Martinez.

I would like to give a special thanks to: Jaccolien Wallaard - Photography Francis Le Guen - Photography Dr. Hossam Nassef - Photography Dr. Erich Ritter - Photography Everyone else who donated photos.

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The Eco-diving Adventure Red Sea Diving Safari 20 Years of Adventure 1990 - 2010

RED SEA DIVING SAFARI DIVE SITES

Speed Boat Dive Truck Dive Full Day Excursion Zone 1: Leisure Zone 2: Classic Zone 3: Living the Passion Distances: 40 km. north of Marsa Shagra 78 km. north of Marsa Nakari 180 km. south of Wadi Lahami

Cairo Head Office 53 El Hussain st. Dokki, Giza - Egypt tel: +20 2 33 37 18 33 / 33 37 99 42 fax: +20 0 37 49 42 19

Marsa Alam Eco-diving Villages tel: +20 6 53 38 00 21 / +20 1 22 44 90 73/75 fax: +20 6 53 38 00 27

www.redsea-divingsafari.com [email protected]

Red Sea Diving Safari, The Eco-diving Adventure

Red Sea Diving Safari Publication c