In the heart of Lebanon’s coastal conservation movement stands Fadia Jouma, an activist, journalist, and fierce defender of the country’s marine ecosystems. Dubbed the “Hami Al Hima” or “The Guardian of Turtles”, Fadia has dedicated her life to protecting endangered sea turtles at Hima Mansouri Beach. Through hands-on conservation, relentless advocacy, and fearless journalism, she has become a symbol of resistance against commercial projects threatening the fragile ecosystem of Lebanon’s preserved beaches.
A Lifelong Commitment to Marine Conservation
Mansouri Beach, located in South Lebanon, is one of the country’s last remaining pristine coastal habitats. It serves as a critical nesting ground for the endangered Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas). Over the years, these species have faced increasing threats from habitat destruction, illegal poaching, and pollution. Fadia has made it her mission to reverse this trend by establishing long-term conservation programs in collaboration with local and international organizations.
Her efforts include:
- Monitoring and protecting nesting sites to ensure successful hatching seasons.
- Rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles, providing them with the necessary medical attention before releasing them back into the wild.
- Raising awareness among fishermen and coastal communities on sustainable marine practices to prevent accidental turtle deaths from fishing nets.
Journalistic Battle Against Destructive Commercial Projects
Fadia’s activism is not confined to fieldwork. As a journalist, she has been at the forefront of exposing commercial projects that threaten Mansouri Beach Hima Reserve and other protected coastal areas in Lebanon. Real estate developers, resort investors, and private industries have sought to exploit these ecologically significant beaches for commercial gain, often disregarding environmental laws and conservation efforts.
Fadia has courageously:
- Investigated and reported on illegal construction projects that encroach on protected turtle nesting sites.
- Exposed pollution violations, such as oil spills and untreated sewage dumping into the Mediterranean.
- Mobilized public opinion and environmental organizations to push back against projects that would irreversibly damage marine ecosystems.
Her relentless work has led to several legal victories against harmful development plans, setting precedents for environmental protection in Lebanon. However, she continues to fight against new threats that emerge as developers seek loopholes in environmental regulations.
Advancing Marine Protection Policies in Lebanon
Beyond activism and journalism, Fadia has been instrumental in lobbying for stronger marine protection policies in Lebanon. Working closely with environmental NGOs and policymakers, she has advocated for:
- Stricter enforcement of laws against illegal fishing and coastal pollution.
- Designation of additional marine reserves along Lebanon’s coastline.
- Government funding for rescue centers to provide medical care for injured turtles and other marine wildlife.
Her persistence has contributed to greater recognition of marine conservation at the national level, ensuring that Lebanon’s rich coastal biodiversity is not sacrificed for short-term economic gain.
A Beacon of Hope for Future Generations
Fadia Jouma’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has inspired a new generation of Lebanese environmentalists, empowering local communities to take an active role in protecting their natural heritage. Her legacy continues to grow through:
- Educational programs in schools, teaching children about marine conservation and the importance of turtles in the ecosystem.
- Volunteer-driven beach cleanups and turtle rescue missions to engage citizens in conservation efforts.
- International collaborations, connecting Lebanon’s conservation efforts with global movements to protect endangered sea turtles.
In a time when Lebanon’s natural treasures face relentless threats, Fadia Jouma stands as a guardian of the sea, ensuring that future generations will witness the sight of baby turtles making their way to the Mediterranean. Her unwavering commitment to marine protection, tireless journalistic investigations, and hands-on conservation work have solidified her status as the “Hami Al Hima” of Lebanon’s turtles.
Her fight continues, but thanks to her resilience, Mansouri Beach and Lebanon’s marine ecosystems stand a stronger chance of survival. The story of Fadia Jouma is one of courage, dedication, and an unyielding love for nature—a testament to the power of one individual’s determination to protect the planet.
