The Issue:

Coral reefs in Sharm El-Sheikh are experiencing cumulative physical damage from high-volume snorkeling tourism, yet the snorkeling sector remains largely unregulated compared to the SCUBA industry. Local snorkel guides often lack the training, authority, and tools to prevent harmful visitor behaviors such as standing on or touching coral, allowing damage to continue unchecked. The application identifies this lack of professional training and standards—not reef degradation itself—as the root cause of the problem. The project addresses this by creating a locally adapted Green Fins accreditation program that equips guides to actively manage tourist behavior, reducing damage before it occurs and strengthening long-term reef stewardship. 

What are Measurable Outcomes Expected from the Funding of this Project?

• 30 local snorkel guides earn Green Fins professional accreditation.

• 90% of certified guides consistently implement environmental briefings and successfully correct harmful tourist behaviors in the water.

• One locally institutionalized Snorkel Guide Trainer framework is established and packaged for replication across the 80+ countries in the Green Fins network.

 What Would a Successful Project Result In?

At least 30 certified snorkel guides are actively protecting coral reefs by improving visitor behavior, the certification becomes integrated into Egypt's national marine tourism standards, and the model is ready for replication across the global Green Fins network.