Activist Launches Open-Ended Hunger Strike to Save Amchit Seal Cave

Environmental activist and journalist Saade Saade has launched an open-ended hunger strike to protest ongoing construction activities on plot 345 in Amchit, overlooking a natural cave that serves as a habitat for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

Saade demands an immediate halt to the illegal works and the implementation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as stipulated by Lebanon's Ministry of Environment.

Despite a formal suspension order from the Ministry of Environment and a ruling by Judge Ghada Aoun calling for the cessation of construction until an EIA is conducted, excavation activities have resumed, prompting widespread condemnation from environmental groups and local residents.

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Save Our Seals Campaign held a protest at the Amchit Seal Cave. It called on Lebanese citizens, activists, and nature lovers to join in demanding an immediate halt to the works. Protesters also urged the full implementation of the Ministry of Environment’s decision and the legal protection of the cave, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard the habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal.

About the Mediterranean Monk Seal

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the world's rarest marine mammals. It has an estimated global population of only 350 to 450 mature individuals. Historically, the Mediterranean monk seals roamed throughout the Mediterranean and along the North African coast.

However, due to centuries of habitat destruction, their numbers have dwindled significantly.

In Lebanon, monk seal sightings have been sporadic, and no births have been recorded in Lebanese waters in recent years. In early September, Arze, a monk seal often spotted around Amchit, gave birth to a pup in Cyprus.

The Amchit Monk Seal Cave is one of the few remaining natural refuges for these seals in Lebanon. These caves are critical for resting and breeding, providing seals with shelter and safety from human disturbances.

However, ongoing construction activities in the area threaten to destroy these habitats, further endangering the species' survival in the region. Make sure to follow and support Terre Liban as they work to protect Lebanon’s natural habitats.

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