Abbasiya Beach Natural Reserve

Abbasiya Beach Natural Reserve

Abbasiya Beach, north of Tyre, covering an area of approximately 3,100 m², is one of the most prominent natural sites along the Lebanese coast due to its unique environmental features, such as hot springs, rare coastal vegetation, and forest diversity. It is also an active nesting site for endangered sea turtles, including the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). Additionally, the beach serves as an important resting site for migratory birds, underscoring its significance as a site of high environmental value.

Based on these characteristics, the Green South Association began monitoring biodiversity and documenting sea turtle nesting activities on the beach at the beginning of 2015. On August 25, 2016, the association submitted an official proposal to the Abbasiya Municipality to designate the beach as a national natural reserve. The municipal council approved the proposal on December 13, 2016. The file and studies prepared by the association were forwarded to the Ministry of Environment on December 15, 2016 (No. 6500/B), and the process was completed on March 15, 2017 (No. 1267) in collaboration between the association and the municipality. In the 2017 season, the association launched its first systematic monitoring program for sea turtle activity on the beach, contributing to documenting and enhancing its environmental significance.

These efforts culminated in the issuance of Lebanese Law No. 170 on May 8, 2020, officially declaring Abbasiya Beach a natural reserve, based on the Protected Areas Law No. 130 of 2019. The law highlights the environmental importance of the site as a habitat for terrestrial and marine species and a refuge for migratory birds and endangered sea turtles.