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A personal tribute to Amr Ali (1971-2016)

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Amr Ali

This weekend I learnt of the sad passing of my old friend and former colleague Amr Ali.

The conservation and diving community are a poorer place for the tragic loss of Amr but ever richer for his ceaseless endeavours to protect the marine life, environment and people of the Red Sea.

It is difficult to sum up everything that Amr meant in words. It’s a cliché but Amr was a true giant amongst men in terms of personality, reputation and, of course, stature. To spend a few minutes in his company was to become intoxicated by his passion, his ideals and his wicked sense of humour. His bear hugs were legendary and almost made you black out. His caustic wit was well used to render his friends speechless with laughter and his adversaries, simply speechless. Amr was truly charismatic.

In the public world, as the Managing Director of HEPCA – Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association – Amr was a true visionary and environmental warrior. He and his team were responsible for a number of outstanding projects.

Most famous of all is HEPCA’s pioneering mooring operation, which started in 1992 as a community initiative to protect the Red Sea reefs and became the largest mooring system in the world. Amr’s drive was responsible for this project being rolled out not just throughout the Egyptian Red Sea but also Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Under Amr’s leadership, HEPCA also triumphed in the battle to save Giftun Island from development, secured a decree to ban shark fishing, helped create sustainable conservation programs to protect dolphins at Samadai and dugongs and turtles at Abu Dabab, spearheaded a campaign to ban dolphinariums in the Red Sea, introduced and managed a solid waste collection, disposal and recycling strategy for the city of Hurghada and the southern Red Sea, initiated community development projects for the local Bedouin people, led numerous scientific research projects, educated thousands of children, tourists, workers and Red Sea residents and so much more.

It’s fair to say that with Amr at the helm, HEPCA grew from a small-scale organisation to one with an international profile; the leading NGO in marine and environmental conservation in Egypt, and a model and inspiration for similar organisations worldwide.

Amr himself was an inspiration. His passing leaves a huge hole in the Red Sea and wider community but his legacy must be the continuation of his life and work by all those he inspired and mentored. In that way, the absolute greatness of Amr Ali lives on.

“I am a free spirit and I shall not be tamed.”  – Amr Ali

To find out more about the work of HEPCA, visit www.hepca.org.

Jane is a copywriter, journalist and photographer who has more than 20 years experience in marketing, media and public relations for watersports, most of which has been spent working in dive tourism. She is the Editor of Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures magazine.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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curacao

Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

curacao

Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.

Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!

santa divers

Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.

Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.

“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.

Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.

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