Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Southern Red Sea Tourism Sector

Mawael Environmental Consultancy conducted a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Southern Red Sea Tourism Development Plan on behalf of Environics. The assignment evaluated the environmental and social implications of tourism development along a 350 km stretch of Egypt’s Red Sea coast, including the Wadi El Gemal Protected Area. The study was implemented through four sequential phases: inception, scoping, sustainability assessment, and preparation of the final SEA report. As one of the first Strategic Environmental Assessments introduced in the region, the project assessed the business-as-usual scenario, identified potential impacts on marine and coastal biodiversity, and evaluated proposed tourism development plans. Based on the findings, alternative development strategies and mitigation measures were developed to minimize environmental and social impacts while supporting sustainable tourism growth. The assignment also included extensive field visits and stakeholder consultations to ensure that environmental, social, and economic considerations were fully integrated into the final recommendations and planning framework.