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We are is a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) working in the field of marine and land conservation in the Red Sea. We believe in visionary thinking and progressive action to bring about positive change, and we think that achieving a sustainable future requires objective scientific data from the field and that the scientific process must engage the general public if it is to change the world. To that end, we involve members, partners and volunteers from all walks of life directly in global field research to ensure the preservation and sustainability of the Red Sea environment for the future.
We are supported by a huge network of members who assist with funding via membership fees and voluntary donations from private and public sectors. We also works closely with a number of governmental departments to ensure that laws covering the protection of inland habitats, offshore islands and coral reefs are enforced and assist in developing management and monitoring strategies. Over the last five years, we have been at the forefront of campaigns which have resulted in more than 32 laws, articles and decrees being changed.
Environment
We are famous for having established the largest mooring system in the world. The mooring system prevents coral reef destruction from boat anchoring. Since the early 1990s we have been the instigator of more than 1000 moorings throughout the Red Sea.
In cooperation with our partners, we have also developed a solid waste management strategy that not only focuses on the collection and recycling of waste, but also provides valuable employment opportunities and a source of revenue to the local community. We are also actively involved in a clean-up program both in city districts and on beaches.
To protect Red Sea wildlife, together with the Egyptian Environmental Affair Agency (EEAA) we have signed an unprecedented agreement in 2001 to initiate zoning at the offshore reef of Samadai, more popularly known as “The Dolphin House”. An income generating and sustainable initiative that was developed for Samadai to protect its unique population of spinner dolphins.
We have recently commissioned the building of a new research centre, which will be the first of its kind on the Red Sea. In conjunction, we have launched the Red Sea Defender, a maritime vessel dedicated to research and conservation activity throughout the region and fully equipped to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
Community
We are is committed to providing each guest with a memorable and enriching experience. This should begin with the understanding of the culture, natural history and beauty of a determined area, in order to contribute to the formation of volunteers who are reflexive and not spectators, active and not passive.
Red Sea Defender is superior vessel that offers the highest levels of quality service. The spacious outside and inside areas of the vessel offer a variety of research activities, rest and leisure options. We think that an integral part of real understanding and enjoyment of a region or country is eating the local food, thus our chef prepares Egyptian and classic cuisine, as well as special dietary requests.
Our international research team is composed of scientists specialized in many different marine environment topics. Moreover to incorporate local expertise, 2-4 Egyptian interns will assist during the entire season. To enhance local employment the crew is composed solely by local personnel.
All group sizes for our scheduled tours are for a maximum of 10 persons. We feel that our 'discreet' group sizes allow us for more supervision, advice and explanations with the high ratio of researchers to clients.
Traveller's code of conduct
Red Sea Defender is fully equipped to minimize possible impacts on the Red Sea. Tap water is produced on board utilizing a desalinization plant by reverse osmosis. Litter is compacted and returned to port, including used toilet paper, cigarette butts etc., nothing is dropped into the water! Furthermore, water is a scarce commodity onboard and the team will ensure that passengers are aware of the need to be frugal with their use of it.
During snorkelling or diving trips volunteers are informed of the fragility of the ecosystem and required not to touch any thing at all - dolphins, coral, shellfish or indeed any kind of flora and fauna unless under close supervision from a researcher. Boatmen are strictly prohibited from anchoring on coral - a formerly common practice that is now thankfully rare also thanks to our mooring system.
It is our express desire to promote responsible, sustainable and sensitive tourism in the region. Appropriate, modest, dress is integral to this principal and, by implication, to a fulfilling and enjoyable holiday. The best cues come from the locals. Please don't be influenced by what you see other tourists wearing, they don't always set the best example. Egypt can be hot, especially during summer. Swimsuits are allowed but we suggest also bringing long legs and sleeves clothing and hats which will protect you from sun-burns and keep you looking respectable.
We provide participants with detailed information on the Red Sea Dolphin Project. Information covers issues such as the research undertaken, the daily schedule, life in the field, travelling, health care information etc.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
