Topics include: Conservation; Environment/Sustainbility; Leisure/Tourism; Ocean Literacy
Country/Region: Egypt
The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that was founded in 1992 and official registered in 1995. This non-profit association is devoted to the protection and conservation of marine life and the underwater environment in the Red Sea.
In addition to private and honorary members, many local diving centers, tour operators and hotels are also HEPCA members. While most members come from Hurghada, Safaga and Cairo, anyone is free to become a HEPCA member. Members support the Association in a variety of ways: through sponsorship. or the donation of funds, services, equipement, or time.
HEPCA works closely with a number of Egyptian governmental departments including; the Red Sea Governorate (RSG); the National Conservation Sector; and the National Parks of Egypt.
HEPCA does not receive funding from any kind of fee system, whether it is for national park fees, marine park fees, environmental tax, reef protection tax or any other name given to a tax collection system used by the diving, snorkeling and tourist community.