Marine Life & Conservation
Why is it important that we save what remains of our reefs, fish and marine ecosystem?
I think the basic answer is that it isn’t, unless of course we care to.
We are now beginning, as a species, to generally appreciate, if not understand, how the natural world actually works. How these systems and all their component parts play a vital role in the stability and health of the world in which we live.
We do of course try to distance ourselves from nature by building and living in completely artificial surroundings. We grow food artificially, we drastically reduce the immediate effects of weather and we regulate temperature and humidity in our technological existences. However, the luxury of this ability is not given to all mankind, only the ruling classes, the rich and well off. It is certainly not afforded to wildlife of any kind.
We know that with our technology we can do wonderful things, but unless it is afforded to all, then ultimately there will be wars and conflict as natural resources are eaten up by those who are generally far removed from them.
We can continue to eradicate species and habitats across the globe in the name of progress and fiscal gain, and as far as I am concerned there is no one looking down upon us from afar to judge our actions. We do all this on our own. I do not believe we will be either rewarded or punished in an afterlife. But, those generations who follow us will have to bear the consequences of our greed.
The oceans contribute greatly to our weather, they help generate the oxygen we breathe and deal most effectively with the carbon dioxide we generate as a bi-product of simply living. But the oceans are not a mechanical disposal system or gifted with endless supplies of food for our tastes. The oceans are a living breathing entity. A delicate and complex giant organism with countless parts that are all intertwined in their contribution to the diversity, which we know, is so crucial to the continued well being and evolution of any ecosystem.
As a species we are quite incredible and as far as we know quite unique within our universe. We are clever; we are compassionate, strong and successful. Yet we blunder into strife and poverty by choosing to drastically alter the very nature of the world that made us what we are. The future of the world is literally in our hands, and it falls down precisely to what we choose to do with it.
As a species that has the ability to reason beyond our own immediate circumstances, surely we must choose a world to live in that celebrates all the incredible wonders that have been created here since the planet was first in its cosmic infancy. The simple wonder of seeing a whale breech, a shoal of fish searing through the water in silvery unison, the glorious colours of coral, the magnificence and the shear scale of plants and animals that make our seas. Why would we want to live without all this? Why would we deny our children the opportunity to witness and be part of this great and wonderful planet? Are we so really self indulgent to be satisfied with saying to the younger generation. “Oh, you should have seen it in my day………”
Marine Life & Conservation
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast Leads the Way in Marine Conservation
Marine Life & Conservation
Aqaba’s Dive Operators Reduce Environmental Impact on Reefs

Green Fins initiative in Jordan achieves 51% reduction in threats to Aqaba Marine Reserve
Green Fins, the internationally recognised standard for sustainable diving and snorkelling, is delivering measurable environmental benefits to Jordan’s precious coral ecosystems. In just its second year of implementation, the programme has achieved a remarkable 51% reduction in threats to Aqaba’s coral reefs from marine tourism activities.
Led by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and supported by Green Fins’ international coordinator, The Reef-World Foundation, Green Fins Jordan is demonstrating how government commitment combined with industry action can rapidly transform a dive destination.
Measurable Environmental Improvements
The programme’s success is evident through several key metrics tracked during annual Green Fins assessments:
Elimination of anchoring damage from Green Fins Members
69% reduction in diver contact with fragile coral reefs
100% halt to the display and sale of marine life
46% improvement in waste management practices
28% reduction in chemical discharge into marine environments
27% increase in positive role model behaviour among dive guides
“This achievement not only attracts more divers to Aqaba but also honours ASEZA’s dedication to prioritising resources for this vital program,” said Nayef AL Fayez, ASEZA Chief.
Commissioner. “These remarkable improvements demonstrate that with proper guidance and commitment, the diving industry can reduce its environmental impact significantly. We’re proud to see the progress made by Green Fins Members, and this reinforces the importance of this initiative for our sustainability agenda. By choosing Green Fins operators, divers are directly contributing to the protection of our marine treasures for future generations while enjoying world-class underwater experiences.”
A Prime Destination for Eco-Conscious Divers
Aqaba has emerged as a leading destination for environmentally conscious divers, offering the rare combination of vibrant marine biodiversity with verifiable sustainability credentials. Divers now have a compelling reason to choose Aqaba: its commitment to sustainability directly translates to healthier, more vibrant reefs and an enhanced diving experience. The Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR), which covers 30% of Jordan’s coastline, was recently recognised in the prestigious IUCN Green List of Protected Areas, confirming its status as an effectively managed protected area.
The designation of the Aqaba Marine Reserve in 2020 was made possible through the commitment and support of King Abdullah II, who considers marine conservation a national priority. This high-level backing has enabled ASEZA to implement effective management strategies, including Green Fins, ensuring that diving operations maintain the ecological integrity of this unique ecosystem.
“Divers are increasingly making sustainable choices,” noted JJ Jarvey, Operations Director at The Reef-World Foundation. “Aqaba now offers the compelling proposition of experiencing some of the world’s most resilient coral reefs while knowing their visit contributes to reef protection rather than degradation.”
Local Businesses Driving Global Impact
Eleven dive operators have achieved Green Fins certification in Aqaba, demonstrating their commitment to environmental best practices:
Red Sea Dive Center
Arab Divers
Deep Blue Dive Center
Coral Garden Diving Center
Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers
Royal Diving Club
Bait al-Aqaba Dive Resort
Hammerhead Diving Center
Rio Dive Center Aqaba
Red Coral Dive Centre
Sea Wonders Diving Center
These operators are pioneering a new standard for sustainable diving in the region, proving that environmental protection and business success can go hand-in-hand.
Recognising the Efforts of the Green Fins Assessor Team
Behind this successful partnership between dive operators and environmental standards stands a dedicated team of professionals. The recent success and continuity of the Green Fins programme would not have been possible without the commitment of the Green Fins Assessor team. Dom Wyszogrodzki and Tareq Al Salman played pivotal roles in ensuring the programme’s continued success. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining high standards, evaluating progress and supporting local dive operators in implementing best practices for sustainable marine tourism. Their contributions have been vital in strengthening the relationship between ASEZA and local dive operators and ensuring the long-term impact of the Green Fins initiative.
Future Plans for Expanding Green Fins in Aqaba
With this strong foundation established by the assessor team, Green Fins Jordan is now setting its sights on future growth. Building on the success of the current programme, ASEZA, in collaboration with The Reef-World Foundation, is working to expand the Green Fins programme to include the remaining Aqaba-based dive centres, ensuring that all operators in the region can contribute to the protection of Aqaba’s marine ecosystems.
In addition to expanding the programme, future initiatives will focus on conducting meaningful awareness sessions for both the local community and visitors. This will include citizen science-driven reef monitoring, where divers and local residents can actively contribute to the health and monitoring of coral reefs, as well as clean-up dives aimed at reducing marine litter and improving water quality.
“Divers are now looking for more than just an experience; they want to know that their activities are contributing to the preservation of our marine ecosystems. By expanding the Green Fins programme, we’re empowering more businesses and individuals to play an active role in protecting Aqaba’s reefs for generations to come,” added Dom Wyszogrodzki, Green Fins Local Management Team Leader.
Dive operators interested in joining the Green Fins programme can learn more at www.greenfins.net. For divers planning their next trip in Aqaba, choosing Green Fins-certified operators means experiencing extraordinary underwater environments while being part of the solution.
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