Managing coral reefs, a key tool for promotion of tourism in Aqaba Jordan

الملخص EN

The rhythm of coastal development in Jordan that boosted in the 1970s is steadily increasing.

During a relatively short period, maritime, recreation and industrial activities have increased substantially.

With more stable political conditions, brought in by the balanced relationships Jordan has both in the region and internationally, more investment will be attracted to Aqaba.

This will in turn result in increased stress on the rather limited marine resources and adversely affect the vulnerable natural habitat.

Tourism is one of the key industries in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, that is a primary tourist attraction for natural, educational, cultural and leisure purposes.

The lush coral reef and associated marine life along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba remain fairly un exploited and being the nearest coral reef to Europe it is recognized as one of the prime diving locations for European tourists.

Thus, coral reef tourism can be a valuable resource to bring in foreign exchange, enhance employment and promote conservational values and scientific dialogue.

However, mismanagement or poor management of coral reefs may result in serious destruction of the resource and irreversible loss of biodiversity.

Threats to coral reefs can be both natural and of anthropogenic sources.

Natural threats are beyond control while anthropogenic threats are manageable.

Amongst the most serious anthropogenic threats to corals are: coastal constructions, ship and boat activity, divers, uncontrolled discharges, coral picking, unorganized fishing, and man induced change of habitat by sand nourishment and coral transplantation.

Management authorities have been aware of these threats since early 1990s and a number of management plans have been undertaken.

Active management plans and impacts of current coastal activities are discussed