Massacre of Storks in Rashaya Al-Wadi

On behalf of Lebanese Ministry of Environment, the Lebanese judiciary, the Environmental Public Prosecutor, Rashaya Al-Wadi Municipality, and the Union of Mount Hermon Municipalities

Yesterday, Thursday 25/08/2016, criminals committed a massacre against nature, wildlife, and migratory birds by killing dozens of storks while they were resting in the outskirts of Rashaya Al-Wadi. In light of this massacre and the ongoing violations against birds, wildlife, and their habitats, we appeal to the Mayor of Rashaya Al-Wadi, Mr. Bassam Dallal, and the President of the Union of Mount Hermon Municipalities, Sheikh Saleh Abu Mansour, whose care for the environment and wildlife is well known, to intervene to investigate this crime, punish the perpetrators, and take swift and deterrent measures to stop violations against migratory birds and wildlife in the area, which could cause serious damage to the biodiversity and unique ecosystems on the slopes and hills of Mount Hermon, a national natural and environmental heritage.

We call on the Internal Security Forces stations in the area to intervene to stop the violations and arrest the perpetrators, as provided by the Lebanese Hunting Law.

We thank our colleague activist Alaa Talaye’ for following up on this matter, and all environmental activists in the area who are keen on preserving Mount Hermon, wildlife, and the environment.