Foqma Cave in Aamchit, Lebanon may be one of the few remaining breeding habitats of the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals on Earth.
Only around 600–700 individuals remain globally.
Scientists believe this cave could be a critical refuge for the species in the eastern Mediterranean.
Yet construction works have resumed near the site while Lebanon is consumed by war and crisis.
If we lose habitats like this, we risk losing the species forever.
Environmental Destruction Hidden Behind War
More than 20 Lebanese environmental organizations, researchers, and civil society groups have issued a joint warning.
Construction activities have resumed near Foqma Cave despite serious ecological concerns.
Many fear the project is advancing because the country is distracted by war, insecurity, and political paralysis.
When institutions are weakened, and people are focused on survival, environmental protections become easier to ignore.
War must never become a cover for environmental destruction.
Why This Cave Matters
A Rare Sanctuary for the Mediterranean Monk Seal
The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals on Earth.
Safe coastal caves like Foqma are essential for breeding and raising pups.
These habitats are extremely rare along the eastern
Mediterranean coast.
Scientists and conservationists have already identified this site as potentially critical for the species’ survival in the region.
Destroying even one refuge could have irreversible consequences for the population.
A Shared Tragedy of Lost Homes
While War Destroys Human Homes… Across Lebanon, families are losing their homes to violence and destruction. At the same time, human activity now threatens the fragile refuge of one of the last monk seal populations in the Mediterranean. War is already destroying enough.
It must not become an excuse to destroy the homes of other living beings. Protecting nature during times of crisis is a moral responsibility.
Authorities Already Recognized the Risk
Authorities Already Recognized the Risk. The Environmental Risk Is Already Known. The Lebanese Ministry of Environment has already acknowledged:
The ecological importance of the site
The presence of monk seal habitat
The need for a full environmental impact assessment.
Yet no environmental study has been submitted, and field observations suggest activities have continued near the cave.
Environmental law and scientific warnings cannot be ignored.
Concerns over the site have also reached the highest levels of the state, with President Joseph Aoun expressing attention to the issue—underscoring its national importance.
Call for International Support
The World Must Help Protect Foqma Cave Lebanese civil society is calling for urgent action:
Immediately halt construction near the cave
Conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment
Ensure long-term protection of this irreplaceable site
The Mediterranean monk seal is part of our shared natural heritage — its loss would be a loss to the world, not just Lebanon.
AlNahda is committed to working constructively with all partners to find solutions that protect nature while ensuring a peaceful and responsible path forward.
March 29, 2026
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