SAVE TYRE NATURAL RESERVE

Associations working for the protection of the environment and heritage, as well as civil society organizations in Tyre,
categorically reject the ongoing commercial project on a 400,000 m² area of public land, adjacent to the Tyre Nature Reserve in Jeftlik Ras El Ain, which was established under Law No. 708 of 11/5/1998.

According to available information, the government granted the Ministry of Defense the right to occupy several properties—including those involved in this project. These properties in Jeftlek Ras al-Ain - Tyre are: 1504, 1570, 1571, 1572, 1573, 1574, 1575, 1197, and 1198 in the Shawakeer area, as well as property No. 640 in the Kharab area. The initial purpose of this occupation was strictly defensive, military, and temporary. However, the Ministry of Defense signed an agreement with "SIS" company under the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) mechanism, granting it the right to exploit these lands. This project plans the construction of 150 shops, restaurants, and apartments, which the investor will operate for 28 years, in exchange for establishing a maritime club for officers on one of these plots and the public beach of the Reserve.

Why Must the Project Be Stopped Immediately?

• An imminent danger to archaeological heritage: Located on a site where ancient remains are buried, listed in the General Inventory of Historical Monuments. Close to the ancient land port of Tyre (Palea-Tyr), where multiple archaeological studies have confirmed lies beneath the Tyre Natural Reserve, extending between Tell Al-Rashidiya and Tell Al-Mashouq, where construction and sewage installations in this area are strictly prohibited under UNESCO decision No. WHC-99/CONF.204/15 (1999).
• Violation of Public Property Law: The Ministry of Defense has exceeded the conditions for the occupancy of public property by relinquishing its rights to a private company without an official decree.
• Violates the Antiquities Law: Construction work was carried out without the approval of the Directorate General of Antiquities, despite the discovery of significant artifacts at the site.
• Breaches Protected Areas Laws: The project includes prohibited constructions according to environmental laws and the area's master plan.
• Violates the Building Law: Work commenced without legal permits or approvals from the relevant authorities.
• Neglects the Environmental Protection Law: The project includes constructions prohibited by environmental laws and the master plan for the region.
• Breaches the Public Procurement Law: The project was not submitted to the Public Procurement Authority as required by legal procedures.
• Violates the Right to Access Information Law: Project documents were not disclosed to the relevant authorities, despite not being classified as national defense secrets.

Our Demands:

• Immediate cessation of all ongoing works at the site.
• Disclosure of contracts, documents, and maps related to the project.
• Relocation of the Officers' Club project to an alternative site that complies with environmental laws and preserves the area's natural and cultural character.
• Commitment to protecting the Tyre Nature Reserve and enforcing applicable laws without exceptions.

For more details, click on the following link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V0VgqOdqyYa5oOZj3t4A-NtvX7Fzl3Ot/view?usp=drive_link