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Ramlet el Bayda: Safe and clean Beach
Beirut’s last remaining public beach, Ramlet El-Bayda, hosted a picnic open to all on Saturday, April 26. The event served to kick off a campaign organised by Nahnoo, a youth NGO, to bring back life to what was once a glittering tribute to Beirut’s Mediterranean beauty. Most importantly, the volunteers attracted focus to the fact that the beach was the final sliver of Beirut’s coastline that was not privately-owned.
(Image via Facebook)
In spite of low expectations, the picnic managed to attract quite an impressive group of people with families filtering in as the day wore on. Multiple activities were provided between kite-flying and clown shows, much to the entertainment of the children attending.
(Image via Facebook)
A notable positive was the fact that the celebration was open to all and promoted the mixing of multiple social classes in a safe, sunny, and fun outdoors venue. That was precisely what the organisers sought to achieve. One could witness children of all social backgrounds running around on the litter-free beach and frolicking in apparent defiance of the social and societal constructs their parents exist in.
(Image via Facebook)
Those attending with their families reminisced memories of how Ramlet El-Bayda used to be decades ago, and how differently it was regarded now. Its previous position as the place to be when one sought a reprieve from the bustling city contrasted the current state of disarray and neighbouring chaos of the city. Shocking statistics were shared that served to highlight how poorly maintained the beach was.
However, the overall impression amongst participants was that of wary optimism, as they truly believed their efforts, if consistent and concerted, could make a difference in the rebirth of Ramlet El-Bayda as a “a public, safe and clean beach”.
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