And the fact that today’s existing reefs comprise a product of several million years of growth and regeneration, reveal the necessity and importance of their protection and conservation.

On this account, a corporate course in marine biology and ecology of coral reefs between the German University in Cairo (GUC), Egypt, and the University Duisburg-Essen, Germany, was held for the second time in August/September this year in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh. This course was registered within the German-Egyptian Year of Science and Technology and received support by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA).

The aim of this excursion was to convey coral reefs as important ecosystems to the students. In this respect, different types of reefs and their formation were addressed as well as the composition of coral reef communities with fish, coral and other numerous invertebrate species and their interaction and interdependence. Furthermore, stress indicators being of natural or of human impact were highlighted and spotted.

14 students from Cairo and Essen, respectively, participated in this course. We started with a seminar series on scientific as well as cultural topics held on the campus of the GUC, followed by a 13-day excursion to South Sinai. Accommodated in the trainings center of the EEAA in Sharm El Sheikh, we did daily excursions to different locations such as the famous Ras Mohamed national park, the Nabq protectorate, and the reefs of Abu Galum and Tiran Island. Work at these spots was done in small mixed groups and comprised the identification of fish and coral as well as other invertebrate species and the geographical, geological and physical mapping of the working areas. Up to date methods in reef ecology such as “Reef check” were applied which allows conclusions about the current health status of the reefs. Each day concluded with group discussions and a general summary of the work.

Further activities such as a boat trip, a camel trip, night snorkeling, a German dinner prepared by German students and guided tours as well as seminars by EEAA park rangers diversified the cultural and scientific program. The last two days we spent inside the St. Catherine protectorate and climbing Mount Sinai for sunset was certainly a dignified highlight of the excursion.

As supervisors of this course, we are highly satisfied with its outcome: Despite the intense program, students never lost their motivation and showed great enthusiasm throughout the excursion. The students expressed their fascination even by voluntary work on their only free day; 9 students did introductory scuba dives showing their attraction to the sea. The consolidation of Egyptian and German students in this course itself was of great value. Besides the formation of new friendships the intercultural exchange was spotlighted.

Results, reports and all student presentations will be soon published on a bilingual website:
www.uni-due.de/aegyptenexkursion/