Mona Khalil: A Guardian of Lebanon’s Sea Turtles

Mona Khalil dedicated over 25 years to the protection of endangered sea turtles. These turtles nested every summer on a beach near her guesthouse in Tyre, Lebanon. Her work involved safeguarding the eggs and hatchlings from predators as they made their way to the Mediterranean Sea.

Khalil’s commitment to the turtles did not go unnoticed. Her efforts managed to garner respect from conservationists, even as war frequently loomed in southern Lebanon. Her work often involved uniting various groups that held different interests, showcasing her ability to bridge gaps for a cause she believed in fiercely.

On June 4, amidst renewed conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, Khalil was injured in an airstrike. She succumbed to her injuries later at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, as reported by her friend Fadia Jomaa.

Her sister, Amal Khalil, described her as both tough and kind-hearted, reflecting on the emotions stirred by her passing. She expressed sadness and anger over the loss of her sister.

The ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 4,000 lives, involves the Israeli military clashing with Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran that has significant power in southern Lebanon. This violence threatens a delicate peace agreement involving the United States and Iran.

Beyond her conservation work, Mona Khalil’s life journey was diverse. Born to Lebanese parents in Lagos, Nigeria, she later moved to the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, she worked as a porcelain restorer, adding another layer to her rich life experience.