Aqaba: A scientific team from the Saudi-based General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), in collaboration with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the United Nations Development Programme in Jordan, conducted field assessments and technical studies to determine the environmental and physical carrying capacity of 14 diving sites in Aqaba.
According to Jordan News Agency, the cooperation aligns with ASEZA's vision and efforts to enhance the sustainable management of the Aqaba Marine Reserve, support regional cooperation, and apply scientific practices to manage diving sites. This initiative aims to preserve the Gulf of Aqaba's marine environment and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
The selected sites, chosen based on approved scientific methodologies and in coordination with ASEZA and the Aqaba Marine Reserve, aim to regulate diving activities and reduce environmental pressures on coral reefs. The assessments involved analyzing diver use density, evaluating diving center practices, and measuring visitor perceptions. These efforts aimed to establish sustainable use limits for each site and propose administrative and regulatory measures to protect marine ecosystems while sustaining tourism activity under the Gulf of Aqaba Flexible Coral Reefs Programme (GFCR).
The study incorporated advanced scientific methods, including timed roving surveys and photo-quadrat imaging at various depths, alongside social surveys with divers, visitors, and diving center operators. Environmental and social indicators were integrated for a comprehensive assessment of each site's carrying capacity.
A specialized technical meeting with representatives from the Aqaba diving sector and relevant stakeholders aimed to enhance understanding and application of carrying capacity concepts in diving site management. The meeting addressed themes such as the importance of carrying capacity, its impact on marine ecosystems, and the repercussions of unsustainable diving practices on coral reefs. It also covered technical criteria for assessments and the environmental and human pressures affecting diving sites.