Bringing a proven Rotary reef restoration model from Panama to Dahab, Egypt.
The Dahab Underwater Museum & Reef Restoration Project
The Rotary Club of Cairo Sinai Horizon (District 2451) is leading project G-3862 in Dahab, South Sinai. Dahab’s economy relies on diving tourism for about 80% of its income, and heavy diver traffic at Lighthouse and Mashraba reefs is causing bleaching, fin damage and stirred-up sediment.
The project will deploy four pH-neutral underwater sculptures that give coral a place to grow and give divers an alternative site, spreading pressure away from the natural reefs. In a consultation with 15 dive centers, 90% reported interest in the museum dive site.
24-month targets
Why Rotary Reefs
Rotary Reefs at Isla Solarte, Bocas del Toro, Panama restores coral with community-built reef structures, nursery-grown coral and protected marine zones, managed by the community that lives beside the reef. It was the first project to score 4/4, 7/7, 8/8 and 17/17 on the 4-7-8-17 Global Success Program.
Rotary Reefs-Red Sea links the two efforts as sister reefs, sharing reef-steward training, coral nursery and outplanting methods with Dahab.
Funding
Total budget: $56,700 over two years
- Rotary Club of Cairo Sinai Horizon: $500
- District 2451: $500
- International partner needed: $55,700
Learn more
- Video: Dahab Underwater Museum
- Egyptian Streets: Dahab’s Underwater Museum
- 3D model of the museum
- Rotary Reefs, Panama
Contacts
Abeer Gawish, President, Rotary Club of Cairo Sinai Horizon
gawish27@gmail.com · +20 100 143 8432
Steve Bender, Rotary Club of Newport Beach
steve@stevebender.net