As part of national efforts to protect the marine environment and enhance the sustainability of coastal ecosystems, a joint delegation visited Beirut Mayor Abdullah Darwish and Municipal Council Member Antoine Seryani to discuss ways to protect the Beirut shoreline and ensure the establishment of a Hima marine reserve in the Ramlet al-Baida beach area as part of the Lebanese Marine Protected Areas Network campaign. The delegation had previously met with Beirut Governor Judge Marwan Abboud two weeks ago for the same purpose.
The delegation included the Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), Assad Serhal, the President of the Lebanese Environmental Forum, Malek Ghandour, a member of the Big Blue Campaign, Nazih Al-Rayess, and environmental consulting expert Drin Al-Mawla. The meeting focused on the importance of including Ramlet al-Baida beach in the Marine Protected Areas Network to preserve biodiversity, protect endangered marine species, and ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems, aligning with Lebanon’s international environmental commitments, particularly the 30×30 goal, which aims to protect 30% of marine and terrestrial areas by 2030.
The Marine Protected Areas Network in Lebanon: A Step Toward Environmental Sustainability
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to establish the Marine Protected Areas Network in Lebanon, which aims to protect marine and coastal ecosystems across various Lebanese regions. The network includes several high-value environmental marine sites such as Tyre, Palm Islands, Ramlet al-Baida, and Dalieh al-Raouche, with the goal of preserving the natural habitats of fish and marine species, promoting the sustainability of marine resources, and supporting local communities that depend on fishing and eco-tourism.
During the meeting, the delegation emphasized the importance of protecting natural sites in the Dalieh al-Raouche area, including the Raouche Rock and the surrounding marine caves, which serve as one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. This species requires a safe environment, free from excessive human interference and marine pollution. The delegation also highlighted the environmental threats endangering these sites, such as unregulated urban expansion, plastic pollution, and unsustainable tourism practices, necessitating urgent protective measures.
Positive Response from Officials
For his part, Beirut Mayor Abdullah Darwish expressed interest in the proposals presented by the delegation, noting that the municipality is working on developing policies to protect the coastal environment as part of its strategic plan. He affirmed that protecting beaches and natural sites is a priority to preserve the environmental and touristic identity of the capital.
Darwish also emphasized that the municipality is open to collaborating with environmental organizations and experts to find sustainable solutions for protecting the Beirut coastline. He highlighted that safeguarding Ramlet al-Baida and Dalieh al-Raouche would not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve the quality of life for Beirut residents and promote eco-tourism.
Proposed Measures and Cooperation Prospects
The meeting concluded with the necessity of taking several practical steps, including:
- Conducting a comprehensive study on the environmental status of Ramlet al-Baida and Dalieh al-Raouche, assessing environmental risks, and providing practical protection recommendations.
- Launching an awareness campaign in collaboration with environmental organizations and the municipality to promote public understanding of the importance of protecting Beirut’s natural beaches.
- Coordinating with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, to ensure the necessary legal measures for declaring the marine reserve.
- Encouraging sustainable eco-tourism in these areas to balance development and environmental conservation.
Toward a National Commitment to Marine Conservation
These efforts are part of Lebanon’s commitment to preserving its biodiversity and strengthening environmental protection policies in line with international agreements. They also align with Lebanon’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on conserving oceans, seas, and marine resources.
This meeting underscores the importance of collaboration between civil society and government entities in developing sustainable environmental policies that protect Lebanon’s natural heritage for future generations and reinforce Beirut’s status as a city with unique natural beaches worthy of protection and sustainable development.
