Eritrea's Coastal Marine and Island Biodiversity Conservation Project

7. Tourism
7.1. Tourism and the Eritrean Coastal Environment
Eritrea, bestowed with more than 1,350 km of mainland coastline and more than 350 islands and islets with an additional coastline of more than 1,950
km, is characterized by an array of highly distinguished marine and coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems incorporate a variety of habitats which are
represented by extraordinarily spectacular creatures that are of high interest for the tourism industry; the sandy beaches and the colourful coral reef
communities that attract tourists for snorkelling and diving.
The presence of historical and archaeological sites, such as Adulis or the necropolis on Dahlak El Kebir Island, the prevalence of very unique climatic
features and the existence of the awesome wildlife survivors bolster related recreational and tourism activities.
At a national level, future tourism in Eritrea heavily relies on the coastal environment. The establishment of different tourism centres, hotels, resorts,
ecotourism opportunities and related supporting facilities; diving centres, marinas and recreation centres pulls in the tourism activities towards the
coastal environment.
Different from many coastal environments of the world, the pristine and unpolluted waters of Eritrea will draw the attention of many beach and sea
hobbyists. Accordingly, as one the leading resources, the government is working conscientiously on developing and expanding coastal tourism, for it to
play its role in building the national economy.
7.2. Sites of Importance for Tourism
In addition to numerous coastal and island landscapes, the Red Sea coast of Eritrea presents specific features of interest that are described in the
following paragraphs:
- The Buri Peninsula is one of the areas where Dorcas and Soemmerring’s gazelle are found abundantly. More importantly, it is also a home place for
the African wild ass (one of the last groups of this endangered species in the world). To the east of the Peninsula, the Hawakil Bay encompasses the
rugged islands of the Hawakil archipelago, and a rich marine habitat of mangroves, corals and sea-grass beds. Ostrich (Struthio camelus) are also still
well distributed in the Buri Peninsula, and are often found close to settlements. For such a combined importance the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has
proposed Buri peninsula as one of the country’s protected areas.
State of the Coast Eritrea, 2006-2007 48