Coping with expanding tourism through effective partnership, Sharm Elmia Rehabilitation

Sharm El-mia, a small bay on the outskirts of Sharm El-Sheikh city; the bay is an integral part of RMNP that includes Ras Mohammad Peninsula and the coasts of Sharm El-Sheikh. Being the main marina for diving and live-aboard boats, the bay suffered the accumulation of boats effluents that smothered marine life. Moving the marina to another location gave way to restoring the afflicted bay. The restoration process, which was carried out through partnership with various stakeholders, set an example of how to successfully coordinate work between actors who in many cases have conflicting interests. Overcoming red tape was a daunting mission that had to be accomplished. Marine life re-inhabited the bay, and benthic living cover was recorded in values comparable to similar sites. Bio-remediation of the ailing aquatic environment and elimination of potential pathogenicity induced by boats effluents was achieved. Finally, the bay was rendered viable to recreational tourism activities.