Dihil Island: A Gem in Eritrea’s Red Sea

Mussie Efriem Dihil Island is one of the over 360 islands strategically located along Eritrea’s Red Sea coast. These islands nurture a vibrant life both above and below the waterline. Their largely untamed and unpolluted nature is remarkable. Here, pristine beaches meet crystal-clear waters, offering a sanctuary for a diverse array of species to flourish undisturbed. The terrestrial habitats of the islands, though perhaps less lush than some equatorial rainforests, support unique flora and fauna adapted to the arid coastal environment. But it is beneath the surface that a truly captivating history unfolds. The Red Sea, renowned for its biodiversity, envelops these islands in a rich underwater world teeming with vibrant coral reefs, fascinating fish, and perhaps even the remnants of ancient shipwrecks and submerged settlements, whispering tales of maritime activity from centuries past. This confluence of a peculiar tropical climate, a haven for varied life, an untouched and unpolluted environment, and a captivating underwater history makes the Eritrean islands truly exceptional and compelling destinations, ripe for exploration and sustainable tourism. Located 35 kilometers from Dahlak Island and 28 kilometers northeast of the mainland coastal villages, Dihil Island maintains a degree of separation from both the Dahlak archipelago’s central hub and the mainland. However, its geographic position places it relatively close to other landmasses: Dahret Island lies approximately 3 kilometers to the west, while Baradu is situated about 2.5 kilometers away to the west. To the east and south, a cluster of numerous smaller islands is scattered a few miles offshore, indicating Dihil Island is part of a larger archipelago environment. With a size of 1,150 hectares, Dihil is geologically unique, formed from ancient fossilized coral reefs that have risen above the waterline. This distinct origin contributes to the island’s character and is likely to influence the quality of its soil and vegetation. A significant feature of the island is its centuries-old wells, which serve as the primary source of freshwater for its inhabitants. Dihil Island is home to two main villages: Dihil De’har and Dihil Al’Balad. The majority of the island’s population are from the Rashaida ethnic group, and the most commonly spoken languages are Arabic and Dahalic, reflecting the cultural and linguistic heritage of its residents. A visit to Dihil Island immediately reveals the central role that fishing plays in the lives and economy of its inhabitants. The island’s settlements are situated along its coastline, a testament to the community’s strong dependence on the sea. The shores are a constant hub of activity, with fishing boats regularly docking, their nets often spread out to dry or be mended, and a visual representation of the day’s labor and the anticipation of the next. The sight of children playing along the water’s edge further underscores the deep connection between the island’s residents and the surrounding sea. Dihil Island’s location within an archipelago rich in underwater resources makes it an ideal environment for fishing. The presence of numerous neighboring islands contributes to a diverse and abundant marine habitat, supporting a wide variety of fish species. This natural wealth has shaped the island’s culture and livelihoods to such an extent that fishing is not merely an occupation but a way of life. From the youngest members of the community learning the basics of fishing to the elders who possess generations of accumulated knowledge about the sea, nearly every resident of Dihil Island is actively involved in the fishing industry, highlighting its fundamental importance to the island’s sustenance and economy. Dihil Island’s beauty extends beyond the abundance of fish to the breathtaking underwater world that surrounds it. The island is known for its vibrant coral reefs, teeming with a mosaic of colors and forming intricate ecosystems that support a remarkable diversity of marine life. These reefs are not just visually stunning but are crucial habitats for countless species of fish, shellfishes, and other marine organisms, making the waters around Dihil Island a haven for biodiversity. The reliance on the sea extends beyond the traditional roles, with women also actively participating in fishing activities, particularly in the shallower waters closer to the shore. Women also play a vital role in gathering shelled sea creatures, such as bivalves and gastropods, further demonstrating the community’s comprehensive engagement with the marine environment for sustenance and livelihood. This widespread participation, encompassing both fishing and the collection of shellfish, underscores the profound and multifaceted relationship between the people of Dihil Island and the rich resources of the Red Sea. Dihil Island also supports a terrestrial ecosystem shaped by its inhabitants. Domestic animals, including sheep, goats, and pack animals are an integral part of island life. These animals graze on the grasses that flourish during the island’s limited rainy season. While the overall rainfall is scarce, the island has adapted to this aridity, supporting a unique vegetation community characterized by drought resistant shrubs and trees that have evolved to survive with minimal precipitation. Along the island’s coastline, a specialized array of salt-resistant plants thrives, forming a crucial barrier against erosion and providing essential habitat for various coastal creatures. Recognizing the importance of vegetation for both ecological stability and potential economic benefits, the Ministry of Marine Resources is actively involved in introducing and cultivating salt-resistant and drought-resistant plant species, as well as other vegetation with economic value, aiming to enhance the island’s resilience and provide additional resources for its residents. This initiative highlights a holistic approach to the island’s development, acknowledging the interconnectedness of its marine and terrestrial environments. Dihil Island’s charm begins at its shoreline, where the fine, clear white sand creates a striking contrast with the deep blue of the Red Sea, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. However, the true magic of Dihil Island lies just beneath the surface, in its spectacular underwater realm. As you descend into the crystal-clear waters, a breathtaking landscape unfolds, dominated by vibrant coral reefs. These reefs, starting in the sun-drenched shallows, descend to depths of approximately eight meters, forming an intricate and impressive underwater mountain range. The corals themselves are a jewel of color, fiery oranges, electric blues, soft pinks, and sunny yellows, creating a visual feast for divers. This vibrant display is not merely for show; the complex structure of the reefs provides essential habitat and a vital food source for a staggering array of marine life. Groups of brightly colored fish dart in and out of the coral branches, while larger ones patrol the edges, and shellfish scuttle along the sandy bottom. This thriving ecosystem directly contributes to the abundance of fish in the surrounding waters, making Dihil Island a particularly attractive location for fishing, both for the local community and potentially for sustainable tourism.