Coral Reefs at Risk: Trade and Tourism in the Red Sea and its Threat to the Environment
Author(s)
Nasser, Yossi
Abstract
Although the Red Sea’s marine and coral habitat is exceptionally unique, an array of ominous issues are apparent which can threat its natural beauty. Tourism expansion has been accelerating increasingly. Resort development and tourist attractions are continuously being erected, accommodating visitors mainly from Europe, the Arab world and Israel. The region that has been most prone to this activity within the Red Sea is the Gulf of Aqaba, which is engulfed by four countries: Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Another significant issue that has affected the habitat of this fragile sea has been the expansion of trade. The Red Sea has been a significant foundation for a vast array of shipping trade routes. These routes exist within coastal inhabitants of the Red Sea, and between Asia, Africa and the Western world. With the convergence of these factors in such a localized area, the significant threat to the Red Sea’s ecological health has yet to be addressed in any systematic and efficient way.
