|
Egypt: First underwater Sharkmonument of a Worldwide Campaign
|
- The first underwater Shark Monument of a worldwide campaign was placed
underwater in the Egyptian National Park of Giftun Island on 19th October
2007 near to the popular dive site of Gota Abu Ramada. This site was
chosen by the National Parks Authority of Egypt and the Red Sea
Governorate to achieve maximum exposure for the Monument and its important
environmental message, which will now reach the many thousands of divers
and snorkellers who visit here each year. The location of the Monument
will also help to take some of the pressure off the main reef at the site
by providing an alternative focus.
This campaign for shark protection has been launched in the Red. Sea
resort of Hurghada, Egypt, as part of a unique cooperation between the
international shark protection organisation SHARKPROJECT and HEPCA.
The launch was marked by the placement of the world’s first underwater
Shark Monument; a sculpture of a great white shark on top of a three metre
long knife, which is intended to raise awareness of the importance of
sharks to the marine ecosystem and their vulnerability in the face of
extinction. The Monument also serves as a wider symbol of the continuing
threat of human civilisation on the oceans and their inhabitants. - The ceremonial sinking of the Shark Monument was followed by a reception and
press conference hosted by Amr Ali, Managing Director of HEPCA, and Dr.
Andreas Keppeler, Founding Member of SHARKPROJECT, which was attended by
leading scientists, environmentalists and media representatives.
- This event follows the success of a campaign by HEPCA and fellow organisations
that resulted in a decree banning shark fishing in the Egyptian Red Sea
and the serving of shark meat in restaurants. As a direct result of this
campaign and the resulting decree, SHARKPROJECT honoured Egypt with their
award as Shark Guardian of the Year 2006.
- Contact Info:
- Hurghada Environmental
Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA)
- Marriott Hotel
Sheraton Road
Hurghada
Red Sea – Egypt
Tel: +20 65 344 5035
Fax: +20 65 344 6674
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.hepca.com
Postal address: Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation
Association (HEPCA), PO Box 104, Hurghada
|
Conservation News 
