Environmental and Archaeological Significance of Adloun Beach Threatened by Marina Project

In addition to its archaeological richness, Adloun Beach is one of the last habitats for endangered sea turtles. Some of these turtles still live near the shore, while others return to nest on the sandy beaches during nesting seasons. This occurs despite the widespread and intensive use of dynamite for fishing, which has caused significant damage to the beach’s ecological system. The planned reclamation of over 60,000 square meters of sea (at minimum, according to project announcements) and leveling of more than 100,000 square meters of the beach will lead to catastrophic environmental damage, affecting the entire coastline, biodiversity, and fish stocks—contradicting claims that the marina will support the fishing industry.

The report/study “Environmental Resources Monitoring in Lebanon 2012” classifies Adloun Beach as a site of highest protection priority due to its cultural and environmental significance, and notes the presence of turtle nesting sites.