Marine Life & Conservation
HEPCA launches new research vessel
Red Sea NGO HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Association) has launched its new research vessel this week. The R/V Amr Ali – Red Sea Defender is named after the much-loved and charismatic Amr Ali who was Managing Director of HEPCA until his passing in October last year.
The research vessel is a key component in HEPCA’s mission to raise environmental consciousness and grow passion for the Red Sea’s natural resources amongst its community, especially the younger generations – a cause that was extremely close to Amr’s heart.
The R/V Amr Ali Red Sea Defender allows students and eco-volunteers to gain first-hand insight into the world of marine biology and underwater eco-systems. The vessel is fitted with the latest educational tools and equipment, which enables those on board to engage in experiments to increase their knowledge about conservation. Students get to use microscopes and other lab equipment to experience a dynamic hands-on approach to learning, which will hopefully encourage them to spread the message of conservation throughout the Red Sea region and beyond.
It is planned that the vessel will move from city to city along the Red Sea coast, hosting students on board from many different locations and all walks of life in order to create a whole generation of Red Sea Defenders.
HEPCA strongly believes that the future of the Red Sea depends on an environmentally conscious youth with an appreciation of its natural resources. In creating a youth that believes in the value of conserving these riches for future generations, HEPCA also believes that this ethos will be a cornerstone of building a stronger tourism industry in the region, which is one of the most important economic sectors in Egypt.
The R/V Amr Ali Red Sea Defender has been made possible in cooperation with the United States Forest Service and under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Solidarity.
To find out more about the work of HEPCA, visit www.hepca.org
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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