Egypt’s Great Fringing Reef Hope Spot to Receive Full Government Protection

December 18, 2025

Featured image: Egyptian Red Sea, ©Renata Romeo/Ocean Image Bank

HURGHADA, EGYPT – In an important step for marine conservation in the Red Sea, Egypt’s Prime Minister has announced the formal move to protect the Great Fringing Reef, a globally significant coral reef system renowned for its climate resilience and unique biodiversity. 

In a significant meeting in October 2024, led by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and including key figures Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the General Authority for Tourism Development, and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and Prof. Mahmoud Hanafy, Hope Spot Champion for the Great Fringing Reef, discussion focused on the necessary steps for declaring the Great Fringing Reef a protected area. The involvement of varied stakeholders signified a united front, bringing together governmental, academic, and environmental organizations to ensure the reef’s preservation.

One of the longest fringing reefs in the world, the Great Fringing Reef stretches along the coast of the Red Sea for over 2,000 kilometers and supports over 1,200 species of fish and 300 species of coral, many of which are endemic to the region. Particularly noted for its climate tolerance, this reef is considered a potential lifeline for repopulating surrounding reefs threatened by rising ocean temperatures and climate change. With the Hope Spot designation in 2022, Dr. Sylvia Earle shared, “These are no ordinary reefs. They’ve been identified as one of the most climate-tolerant reefs in the world by the 50 Reefs and other scientific studies. As such, these reefs provide a vibrant symbol of hope for not just saving coral reefs but for biodiversity as a whole.”

While half of Egypt’s Great Fringing Reef lies within existing protected areas, the recent announcement is a crucial step toward safeguarding the remaining reefs. The full protection of this vibrant ecosystem aligns with Egypt’s commitment to global marine conservation goals and its Vision 2030 for sustainable development. This move is a reflection of Egypt’s efforts in marine conservation, highlighted by international discussions at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, where President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced the commitment to protect the Red Sea coral reef ecosystem. The Egyptian Cabinet formally endorsed the declaration, and a high-level committee was created to finalize the protection plans.

Hope Spots Program Manager Shannon McIntyre Rake states, “We are absolutely thrilled to see the Great Fringing Reef of the Red Sea, first recognized as a Hope Spot ahead of COP27, now formally protected as a nature reserve. This milestone reflects the dedication of local champions and the power of global collaboration. It’s an inspiring step forward for marine conservation, and we are honored to support the continued safeguarding of this extraordinary Hope Spot.”  

The Great Fringing Reef is not only a natural wonder but also a vital resource for local communities, supporting fisheries, tourism, and scientific research. The protection of these reefs ensures that they can continue to thrive, benefiting both marine biodiversity and the people who depend on them.

“The Egyptian Government’s decision to declare the Great Fringing Reef of the Red Sea a marine protected area is a landmark step, not only for safeguarding Egypt’s natural heritage, but for securing a global refuge for coral reefs in the face of climate change. Protecting the most resilient reefs today is an investment in the future of our oceans, our climate, and generations to come,”  states Professor Mahmoud Hanafy, Professor of Marine Biology at Suez Canal University, Champion for the Great Fringing Reef Hope Spot and HEPCA’s Chief Scientist. 

Richard Vevers, founder of The Ocean Agency and Hope Spot Champion, adds, “It’s vital for the future of coral reefs that the most resilient sites are protected. I couldn’t be more proud of the work The Ocean Agency did in collaboration with Mission Blue, HEPCA, and the UN Environment Programme to  put a spotlight on the importance of the Great Fringing Reef. My hope is that its protection inspires similar action around the world.”   

Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment, announced the issuance of Prime Ministerial Decree No. 4419 of 2025 declaring the entire Great Red Sea Reef region a marine protected area — a major milestone in Egypt’s efforts to safeguard biodiversity and advance sustainable development in the Red Sea.

Dr. Awad confirmed that the decree defines the newly added marine areas within the protected zone based on official maps and coordinates, completing the legal framework of previously declared protected areas under Prime Ministerial Decrees No. 102(1983), 450(1986), 143(2003), 1618(2006).

With this new commitment, Egypt is solidifying its position as a regional leader in marine conservation. For more information on the Great Fringing Reef and how you can support its protection, visit HEPCA’s website.