Ras Hankorab Beach, located on the southern coast of Egypt’s Red Sea, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and flat white sands. A hidden gem within Egypt’s Wadi el-Gemal National Park, it is one of the country’s last remaining untouched marine ecosystems. However, the beach is now under threat as developers plan to build dozens of accommodation huts, a restaurant, and a farm. Campaigners are fighting to prevent this development, warning that it could destroy the fragile environment that has remained untouched for years.
A 90-minute drive from Marsa Alam International Airport and a four-hour drive from the bustling resort of Hurghada, the beach is currently closed off by a wooden fence. Conservationists have raised concerns over the potential damage to the ecosystem, which is home to endangered sea turtles, coral reefs, sea grasses, and a variety of fish species.
In an attempt to combat the country’s economic crisis, Egypt has been selling investment licenses for its national parks, hoping to generate income. Tourism, a significant pillar of Egypt’s economy, is projected to bring in $14.1 billion in 2024, with 17 million visitors expected. However, environmentalists and local communities fear that even light construction could severely damage one of the country’s most important natural sites.
Asmaa Ali, the executive director of Ecoris, a sustainable development and conservation group, emphasized the park’s vital role in biodiversity, pointing to its precious coral reefs and endangered sea turtles. Sherif Baha el-Din, a co-founder of Wadi el-Gemal National Park, echoed these concerns, highlighting that tourists seek unspoiled natural beauty rather than concrete resorts.
“Development on the Red Sea coast must be carefully considered. This small, pristine area should remain untouched,” he said.
Source: Swifteradio.com
