Passionate Lebanon Resident Dedicates Her Life To Sea Turtle Conservation Despite Residing In Warzone
Amidst the violent clashes occurring between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, there were still a select few who continued their conservation efforts. One lady in Lebanon did just that. Despite a rocket exploding inside her house, Mona Khalil was determined to protect her country’s sea turtles and refused to leave her residence, now home of The Orange House Project. This project focuses on the conservation of sea turtles and public education and was a life-long dream for Khalil. During the hatching season she patrols the beaches for nests, and puts a protective covering over the ones she finds. She also records meticulous data which is presented at MEDASSET’s biennial conference, as well as participating in beach cleanups. Surprisingly, during the war-time, 82 nests were discovered and protected. Khalil receives much needed help from volunteers and the Orange House functions as lodging for these valuable helpers. She states that her biggest challenge is dealing with beach construction, but that she will continue her diligent work no matter what the circumstances. What an admirable story of conservation in action!
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Lots of work for volunteer Turtle Tracker team
USA: Tiny Caretta caretta’s almost left behind
USA: Chelonia mydas makes a terrestial journey into dangerous territory
Mexico: Finding a solution for canine turtle egg predation
Crime & Punishment
Ecology
USA: To remove or not to remove trees for benefit of sea turtles
Question or Concerns? Want to submit an article to get posted? Email us at [email protected].
Photo from Chris Giles.
