Archive for Diving Africa
HEPCA Material Recovery Facility – proof that recycling works
Posted by: | Comments| Since August 2009, the Egyptian government has granted HEPCA sole responsibility for the management of waste collection and recycling in the southern Red Sea, an area roughly double the size of The Netherlands. Even in these first few months, the scheme has achieved some incredible results – proof that recycling really does make a difference and dramatically helps to reduce daily damage to the environment.
Our Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Marsa Alam city is the hub of the HEPCA solid waste management strategy. Waste is collected and separated at source into organic and non-organic matter before being transported to the MRF. Here, the vast majority of the waste is non-organic and it is sorted, processed and traded through to recycling firms. We also manage and operate a controlled dumpsite for non-recyclables. Organic waste is given to the local community for animal feed. Our latest figures show an outstanding success rate at the MRF in helping to reduce the Red Sea’s carbon footprint: PAPER Each month we recycle more than 8.5 tonnes of paper and cartons, saving: Simply put, the monthly HEPCA recycled paper total saves enough energy for heat, electricity and air-conditioning for the average Egyptian home for almost 30 months! ALUMINIUM Each month we recycle more than 41,500 cans, saving GLASS Each month we recycle at least 6000kg of glass, saving PLASTIC Each month we recycle almost 259,000 plastic bottles and parts saving STEEL and TIN Each month we recycle an average of 4.5 tonnes of steel and tin saving Greenhouse gas emissions result from the burning of municipality solid waste and are strongly influenced, in particular, by the plastic content of the input waste stream. Each month, the recycling and reuse of this waste by the HEPCA MRF saves around 65 tonnes of CO2 pollutants from entering the atmosphere of the Red Sea! Our solid waste management strategy is not only concerned with saving the environment but also saving livelihoods. Many valuable employment opportunities have been created for the local community in waste collection, transportation and staffing at the MRF. Further employment and income is also generated through the selling on of recyclable material. We estimate an additional 70 jobs will be created annually in support of this program. HEPCA would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the solid waste management strategy and in particular the MRF in Marsa Alam. This scheme is a tremendous achievement in helping to keep the Red Sea clean and addressing climate change in Egypt. We look forward to announcing developments elsewhere in the Red Sea soon. |
| Keep up to date at www.hepca.com |
Missing diver found in Western Cape
Posted by: | CommentsA search for a 21-year-old diver reported missing in the Western Cape ended on Wednesday morning when rescuers found him walking on a road, said the National Sea Rescue Institute.
“We found him walking on a road near where the drowning incident was reported to have happened. He was fine, no injuries so we returned him to his family,” spokesperson Craig Lambinon said.
He said Sadian Fiay’s friends reported him missing on Tuesday after they had gone diving in Oudekraal at around 9.45pm.
Lambinon would not comment on what had happened to the man between the time he was reported missing and 9am on Wednesday when he was found.
“Police are handling that,” he said.
Western Cape police spokesman Inspector November Filander said they were investigating the incident.
“We have no specific information at the moment. We are still waiting for the detectives to confirm if he was the man who was reported missing or drowned,” he said.
He could not immediately indicate if criminal charges would be pressed should it be found that police and rescuers were sent on a wild goose chase.
Shark Diving Destinations
Posted by: | CommentsFew creatures have captured the imagination of divers in the same way sharks have. Thousands of years of evolution have created these sleek, mysterious creatures, perfectly adapted to their role of apex predator of the seas.
Little is known about sharks, but one thing is becoming certain: at the rate their numbers are declining, not much time will be left to marvel at their beauty and learn more about them. Irrational fears, indiscriminate fishing methods, shark finning and other factors have contributed to the current situation.
As divers, not only we notice first hand the effects of the decline in shark numbers, but we can also help to improve the situation. Diving with sharks provides income for the locals – giving the sharks more value alive than dead.
These are some of our top destinations to dive with sharks, some of them already demonstrating a positive impact from the revenue brought by divers from around the world.
South Africa
In recent years Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks on South Africa’s East Coast have become increasingly popular as the place to see big sharks. Tiger, bull, and ragged tooth are all found in these areas – making for some adrenaline filled dives! Ideally located to access the sites, the East Coast Diving Lodge is so confident you will see sharks they will even offer you money back if you don’t spot one over the course of a week! While you’re there, why not extend your stay to go dive with the great whites in Gaansbaai, or travel up to Mozambique for some unspoilt diving and plenty of whale sharks and mantas?
Find out more about South Africa diving >
Southern Egyptian Red Sea and Sudan
If you would like to see oceanic white tip sharks, then a liveaboard to the Southern Red Sea is the place to head to. The opportunity to spend a week (or two if you choose Sudan) diving the less explored areas of the Red Sea is many divers idea of paradise. But it’s not all oceanic white tips, as there are also silky, hammerheads, grey reef sharks and some fantastic reef life. Top that off with a short flight, established operators and good quality boats and you have a favourite for British divers every year.
Find out more about Southern Red Sea diving >
