The Egyptian Government is analysing a comprehensive, sustainable development plan for the Blue Hole dive site, located within the Abu Galum Protected Area, a stunning 400 - square - kilometres nature reserve on the southeastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, just north of Dahab, famous for its dramatic contrast between rugged granite mountains and the turquoise Gulf of Aqaba, while safeguarding its fragile marine ecosystem as reported by Daily News Egypt, replying to the Ministry of Local Development and Environment.
The Blue Hole, is an iconic, 130 - metre - deep limestone sinkhole which attracts more than 110.000 visitors a year for scuba diving, freediving, and snorkelling.
World – renowned for its stunning clarity and steep drop - offs, the Blue Hole features “the Saddle”,a shallow, sunlit coral reef opening at just 6 metres deep that allows snorkellers and recreational divers to easily enter the main basin, and the “Arch”, a notorious 26 - metres tunnel situated at roughly 55 metres deep, connecting the inside of the sinkhole to the open, deep Red Sea.
Despite its extreme depths, the surrounding coral walls and rims are teeming with vibrant tropical fish, barracudas, and colourful coral gardens. The site’s immense depth directly on the shorelines makes it a prime global location for freediving training and record attempts.
Egypt's Minister Awad reviewed the proposal during a meeting with officials from the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) and representatives of an environmental consultancy.
The official described the Blue Hole as one of Egypt’s most valuable natural assets and one of the world’s top diving destinations, stressing that protecting the site while promoting sustainable tourism remains a national priority.
Participants consultants noted that the area is home to more than 300 species of coral and serves as an important scientific reference site for marine research, as well as playing a significant role in supporting local livelihoods and employment opportunities in South Sinai.
The proposed plan is based on four main pillars:
• Reorganizing the Blue Hole area and protecting environmentally sensitive areas.
• Improving visitor facilities.
• Regulating marine activities.
• Strengthening the site’s management and monitoring systems.
The strategy also seeks to alleviate tourist pressure on the Blue Hole by developing alternative attractions within the Abu Galum Protected Area and introducing management measures for the nearby Canyon dive site.
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