According to the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Organisation (HEPCA), the authorities have granted the British oil company Burren Energy (Egypt) Ltd a concession to drill for oil near El Gouna, north Hurghada.
The concession area covers 242sq km, located between El Gouna and Shedwan Island, and includes National Park waters, says HEPCA, The oil company is carrying out a seismic survey in the area this month.
HEPCA states: 'After a meeting that was held between HEPCA and the company representative in Cairo, and after the company refused to comply and follow the international agreed-upon protocols by attending a public hearing, HEPCA has decided to take all possible legal procedures and actions locally and internationally, against the company and all involved agencies, to stop such an insanity which will have a devastating effect on nature and all tourism investments in the area.' |
