Aqaba -The Aqaba Marine Reserve has warned against carrying out promotional activities and filming commercial advertisements at coral reef sites in the Gulf of Aqaba. It stressed that using these sites for promotional purposes without official approval violates the regulations governing the reserve and puts the marine ecosystem at risk, and that violators will face legal action.
اضافة اعلان
In a statement published on its official page, the reserve said the warning followed the detection of underwater advertising filming carried out by some commercial entities and product owners, in cooperation with several diving centres. In some cases, the filming took place at coral reef sites, raising fears of potential damage from touching the reefs, disturbing marine life, or introducing materials that could affect the health and natural balance of the marine environment.
The reserve stressed that coral reefs are a national environmental asset and a fundamental element of the biodiversity that distinguishes the Gulf of Aqaba. It insisted that commercial and promotional activities must be subject to controls that ensure the preservation of their natural components and their sustainability.
It explained that, under the regulations governing the reserve, any party wishing to carry out underwater promotional or commercial filming must submit a formal request to its administration in advance. This allows the proposed activity to be assessed, its potential impacts evaluated, and its compatibility with marine environmental protection requirements verified before it begins.
The reserve warned commercial entities, product owners and diving centres against carrying out or facilitating these activities without completing the official procedures. It stressed that practices that breach the applicable laws and regulations will be subject to legal follow-up and the necessary measures to hold those responsible to account.
The reserve stressed that protecting coral reefs is a shared responsibility, in which environmental considerations take precedence over commercial interests. It noted that the reefs are among the natural treasures that enhance Aqaba's standing as a destination for marine tourism and diving, and that they must be preserved for future generations.
The reserve also affirmed that coral reefs are not spaces for commercial advertising, calling on the relevant parties to abide by the environmental regulations under the slogan: "Do not promote your products at the expense of the safety of our sea."
Source: Al-Ghad. Reporting: by Nadia Al-Khudairat
