Ras Hankorab Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline in southern Egypt’s Red Sea, is facing a new threat as plans to develop the area for tourism could endanger its delicate ecosystem. Located within the Wadi el-Gemal National Park, the beach is home to one of the last untouched marine ecosystems in the country, with crystal-clear waters, flat white sands, and a vibrant coral reef that has tolerated rising sea temperatures.
A 90-minute drive from Marsa Alam international airport, Ras Hankorab has remained largely undisturbed—until now. The area is currently fenced off as developers prepare to construct dozens of accommodation huts, a restaurant, and a farm, sparking concern among conservationists and locals.
Environmentalists warn that even modest development could devastate the fragile ecosystem, which supports endangered sea turtles, diverse coral reefs, seagrass beds, and a variety of fish species. The area is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, and local communities fear the loss of a vital natural resource.
Facing a dire economic crisis, Egypt has been offering investment licenses to developers within its national parks, hoping to generate income. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy, with 17 million visitors in 2024 generating $14.1 billion in revenue. The government aims to further boost tourism by expanding infrastructure and creating sustainable coastal and desert tourism offerings.
However, conservationists, local residents, and environmental groups argue that Ras Hankorab must be preserved. Asmaa Ali, the executive director of Ecoris, a sustainable development organization, emphasized that the beach and its surrounding ecosystem are of immense global value. “This national park and its beach contain some of the world’s most precious coral reefs and endangered species,” she said.
Sherif Baha el-Din, a co-founder of Wadi el-Gemal National Park, echoed concerns, stating that tourists are drawn to unspoiled nature, not resort developments. “If we must develop, let’s talk about where, but the best thing here is nothing at all,” he said.
The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) has pointed out that the local reef is one of the most resilient to climate change, playing a vital role in repopulating other reefs and potentially reversing ecological damage.
Recent legal changes have allowed for greater commercialization of Egypt’s national parks, with commercial projects within protected areas surging from 10 in 2016 to 150 in 2024, increasing revenue by 1,900%. However, conservationists fear that this growth may come at the expense of the environment.
In response, a group of environmental organizations has filed an appeal, claiming that the planned development at Ras Hankorab violates environmental protection laws and could irreparably harm public resources. Locals also feel sidelined by the decision, with some expressing frustration over being excluded from the planning process.
Mohamed Saleh, a tribal elder, lamented that locals had been cut off from the beach they once visited freely. “I used to take my kids there for free. Now, I have to pay 250 Egyptian pounds ($5) just to enter,” he said, adding that they were not consulted about the development.
Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has defended the planned development as a “controlled expansion” aimed at balancing eco-tourism with the need to generate income. She assured that projects in sensitive areas, such as Ras Hankorab, would be closely monitored. However, critics argue that the ministry lacks the resources to effectively oversee such projects.
Conservationists also express concern over the erosion of environmental expertise in Egypt, pointing to the reduction in wildlife specialists monitoring biodiversity at Wadi el-Gemal—from 20 in 2007 to only a few today.
“The state must protect its natural resources and safeguard the rights of future generations,” said environmental lawyer Ahmed El-Seidi, stressing that eco-tourism should not involve handing protected land to private investors.
The Environment Ministry and the State Information Service did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
($1 = 51 Egyptian pounds)
