Egypt’s Red Sea governorate will be the first governorate in the country to ban single-use plastics starting June. The ban comes as part of a decision April 1 by Red Sea Gov. Ahmed Abdullah seeking to protect marine life, particularly endangered species that are exposed to plastics.

The governor explained in a press statement that the ban of single-use plastic bags will apply to pharmacies, grocery and seafood stores, restaurants, fruit and vegetable shops, butchers and supermarkets. Plastic products such as knives, forks, plates, straws and cups used on bus tours and boat trips will also be banned.

The Red Sea governorate is located between the Nile and the Red Sea in the southeast with a coastline of 1,080 kilometers (671 miles). It is one of Egypt's main tourist destinations and known for its water sports, scuba diving and sailing facilities.

TripAdvisor placed the governorate's capital Hurghada on its list of 25 cities around the world to visit in 2019, referring to the city as a prime destination for diving and snorkeling because of its stunning coral reef and turquoise-colored waters.