A Mediterranean monk seal on a beach in Lebanon. Photo Terre Liban.
The case of the controversial construction site in Amchit (Jbeil), located above a cave frequented by a monk seal — a Mediterranean endangered species according to experts and environmentalists — has resurfaced this week, despite the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah ravaging the country. The construction in question is a private villa belonging to a former Lebanese journalist on the Amchit coastline.
About twenty Lebanese NGOs sent a letter this week to Environment Minister Tamara Elzein, expressing their "deep concern regarding the resumption of work on March 10, 2026, on lot 345 in Amchit, which is located near the so-called monk seal cave and is an extension of it." Their statement recalls the numerous studies, conducted notably by the Marine Studies Center of the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), which demonstrate that this site is of crucial importance for this rare species and for its reproduction.
The NGOs are thus advocating for "the protection of this exceptional site against all threats that may affect it," in accordance with Lebanese law and international environmental protection conventions ratified by Lebanon.
If the NGOs are addressing the environment minister, it is because she issued a decision on Oct. 22, 2025, requiring the developers to prepare an environmental impact assessment before continuing work. She also acknowledged an "error" in the issuance of the construction permit. The NGOs also recall that this case is the subject of an appeal before the State Council, which has not yet been decided.
The signatories of the statement are therefore asking the minister for "a temporary halt to the work" until an environmental impact assessment is submitted to her ministry and evaluated, in accordance with the law. They also highlight the need for "long-term protection" of the cave.
It should be noted that Terre-Liban, the leading association in this matter, filed an urgent complaint this week with the Environment Ministry to obtain a halt to the work on the construction site.
This article originally appeared in French on L'Orient-Le Jour.
Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait
