Legacy of Lebanese Conservationist Mona Khalil

In August 2002, Mona Khalil, a Lebanese ecologist and conservation activist, observed a turtle in Tyre, a southern Lebanese port city. Her journey into turtle conservation began unexpectedly when a green sea turtle, laying eggs on a beach, showered her in sand while she enjoyed a beachside drink. This marked the start of a decades-long effort to protect endangered turtles.

Khalil, aged 76, sadly passed away after an Israeli airstrike targeted her beachside home. Her efforts created a robust conservation movement in southern Lebanon, safeguarding sea turtle nesting sites and the Mediterranean coast. Her Ethiopian housekeeper sustained injuries in the attack, though less severe, with both women being the sole occupants of the beach-adjacent ‘Orange House’.

The Israeli military initially had no record of targeting her residence and is reviewing its activity logs. The ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, driven by Israel’s actions against Hezbollah, has caused significant casualties. The Lebanese health ministry reports over 4,000 deaths, including at least 600 women and children, since the hostilities began on March 2. Israel reports losses of 35 soldiers and additional civilians from Hezbollah attacks.

Khalil remained committed to her home, believing in her safety as a civilian distanced from military targets. Her dedication trained generations in protecting the Mediterranean coastline, particularly the endangered sea turtles that return to lay eggs on the beaches of their birth. Challenges such as human interference, ocean pollution, and predators drastically reduce the survival rate of hatchlings to adulthood.

Volunteers secure eggs with protective mesh and assist hatchlings to the sea. Rami Khachab, a herpetologist, joined the conservation efforts in high school, influenced by his early experiences alongside Khalil. Inspired by an initial encounter with the turtles, Khalil sought knowledge from European conservationists, leading initiatives to protect green sea and loggerhead turtle nests.

Green Southerners, an environmental group, praised Khalil for inspiring Lebanese citizens to cherish and safeguard their marine heritage. Her efforts established her as a prominent advocate for marine biodiversity and led to calls for accountability for her death.

Fadia Joumaa, a journalist-turned-volunteer, initially approached Khalil for a story. However, Khalil insisted on firsthand experience in conservation work, which led Joumaa to years of volunteering. By her retirement in 2020, Khalil had transformed the Orange House into an ecotourism hub and educational site, fostering community conservation efforts.

Khalil’s activism extended beyond turtles, opposing beach privatization and development in southern Lebanon. Her campaigns led to an official designation of turtle nesting grounds as community-based conservation areas. Despite challenges and threats from local opposition, including gunfire, Khalil remained unwavering. She emphasized defense of natural resources, a sentiment echoed by her volunteers and supporters.

Reporting contributions were made by Jawad Rizkhallah from Beirut.