20 September 2024
Part of The Red Sea destination, Breem and Al-Waqadi islands’ sandy beaches are a haven for nesting turtles and migratory birds. Over decades, however, the islands have collected extensive marine debris, including wood, metal, and a variety of plastics, creating challenges for wildlife.
Seeking to enhance this vital habitat, Red Sea Global (RSG) initiated the Breem & Al-Waqadi Island Beach Enhancement Pilot Study – a project focused not only on removing debris but also on helping species to thrive.
From December 2023 to February 2024, a team of 35 third-party workers collected more than 43 tons and 800kg of debris from Breem and Al-Waqadi respectively. Items included rope, plastic bottles, and even glass bottles from Italy, China, and Japan – a reminder of the global nature of marine debris.
Unique ecosystem
The threatened Green turtle and critically endangered Hawksbill turtle are particularly attracted to both islands. These species use natal homing, meaning that when a mother lays her eggs, she often returns to the same spot year after year. Her offspring, once mature, will also likely return to the same beach to lay their eggs.
Debris accumulation, however, had started to pose a threat to this natural process. Turtles looking to nest or hatchlings making their way to the sea may have been hindered by obstacles like logs, twine, and plastic waste. Similarly, birds, which also nest on the island, risked getting tangled in debris or ingesting harmful plastics.
By clearing the beaches, RSG has significantly improved the environment for these creatures. Now, turtles can dig their nests in clean, debris-free sand, hatchlings can crawl to the sea via a clear, unobstructed path, and birds can build their nests and feed their chicks without getting caught in plastic.
According to turtle expert and RSG advisor, Dr. Hector Barrios Garrido, the cleanup has already enhanced the habitats on Breem and Al-Waqadi Islands, making them safer nesting grounds for the next generation of turtles and birds.
While the beach clean-up helped restore the islands’ natural beauty, it also fostered a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility. In January, RSG organized a volunteer beach enhancement day, inviting around 20 employees from various parts of the world to contribute.
Led by a local boat captain, these volunteers focused on a specific location on Breem Island, contributing to efforts to keep the area clean.
Looking forward with optimism
The benefits are already evident with sands once littered with debris now pristine. While it will take time to gather data on increased survival and reproduction rates, the early signs are promising, and the island is on a positive trajectory.
As RSG continues to advance its regenerative tourism efforts, the clean-up is a heartening example of what can be achieved through collaboration and care. At RSG, we believe in not just protecting the natural world but actively enhancing it, ensuring that islands like Breem and Al-Waqadi remain safe and welcoming for years to come.
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