Situated within the Red Sea, Breem Island is a sanctuary for over 300 Green turtle nests each year. But historically, low sea cliffs on the island posed risks to turtles returning to the sea post-nesting – leading to accidental falls. As part of Red Sea Global’s (RSG) environmental regeneration, the Breem Island Cliff Barrier Project was initiated to change this – advancing turtle safety and promoting regenerative tourism.

Central to this project is an innovative barrier system, modeled after successful conservation work on Raine Island in Australia but adapted to Breem’s unique terrain. Gabion boxes – wire structures encased in sand-colored fabric – were chosen for their natural appearance and durability. These boxes guide turtles safely away from cliff edges while preserving their natural movement. This non-intrusive approach supports ecological balance while ensuring the turtles’ safe return to the sea.

Challenges and implementation

The project faced logistical challenges due to Breem Island’s remote location, only accessible by a 1.5-hour boat journey. Shallow waters meant that heavy machinery could not be used, requiring the team to carry materials nearly a kilometer inland through the surf. The gabion boxes, delivered in a folded state, were assembled manually on-site – a task made even more demanding by the fasting period of Ramadan. The use of local sand minimized the project’s environmental footprint and ensured the barrier remains low-maintenance – critical for such an isolated location.