politics
Renowned eco-activist Mona Khalil dies in Israeli strike in Lebanon. She dedicated over 25 years to protecting sea turtles
Lebanese environmental activist Mona Khalil, who spent over 25 years protecting the nesting sites of sea turtles in the south of the country, has died from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike. This was reported by The Guardian, citing her friends.
TL;DR
- Mona Khalil, a Lebanese environmental activist, died at 76 from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike.
- She dedicated over 25 years to protecting nesting sites of loggerhead and green sea turtles on the southern Lebanese coast.
- Khalil founded the Orange House Project, an environmental center near Tyre, which protected beaches and engaged with tourists and conservation program participants.
- She returned to Lebanon in 1999 after living in the Netherlands during the civil war and was inspired to start her conservation project after encountering a nesting sea turtle.
- Khalil also advocated against explosive fishing and coastal development.
- The Green Southerners organization recognized her as one of the country's most respected marine ecosystem defenders.
- Her death comes as a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was reported to take effect, though violations and continued Israeli strikes were reported.