LEBANON – Lebanon’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Tamara Elzein, has highlighted the environmental consequences of the Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, noting that the bombardment caused damage to several nature reserves and environmentally sensitive habitats in the region.
Elzein explained that the attacks affected eight nature reserves officially listed by Lebanon’s Ministry of Environment in the South and Nabatieh governorates, negatively impacting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
According to Elzein, monitoring data compiled by the National Council for Scientific Research show intense bombardment in towns where these reserves are located, resulting in significant damage to natural habitats, environmental heritage, and local ecological balances.
She also noted that the attacks have affected wildlife conservation efforts, pointing to the targeting of environmental activist Mona Khalil, who is known for her work protecting sea turtles along the Mansouri coast in southern Lebanon.
Elzein stressed that the damage poses a direct threat to biodiversity and natural resources in the area, calling for the documentation of environmental impacts and continued efforts to protect affected ecosystems.
