Mona Khalil, a Lebanese marine activist who became a beloved figure for her decades-long effort to protect a turtle nesting site near her home, has died from injuries sustained in an Israeli strike. She was 76.
A Life Dedicated to Turtle Conservation
Khalil ran the Orange House Project sanctuary near the Mediterranean city of Tyre. She hosted volunteers in her home to clean and monitor a mile-long beach, and welcomed tourists to stay and learn about conservation. An Israeli airstrike earlier this month severely wounded Khalil, who was moved to an intensive-care unit in Beirut before succumbing to her injuries on Friday, according to friends. Her assistant, an Ethiopian woman, suffered burns but is recovering.
From Refugee to Environmentalist
During Lebanon's civil war (1975-1990), Khalil moved to the Netherlands. She returned to her family's land in 1999, where she had a chance encounter with a turtle digging a nest on the beach. She painted her house orange to match the Dutch national color, in gratitude for the refuge the Netherlands provided, and started a protection and ecotourism project for loggerhead and green sea turtles that nest along Lebanon's southern coast.
Challenges and Resilience
Foreign tourists had to coordinate with the Lebanese military to visit, as the bed and breakfast sat on land repeatedly invaded and occupied by Israel. Those who obtained permission stayed in Khalil's idyllic home, with its flower-lined courtyard often filled with rescued dogs and cats. Despite regular power cuts and a lack of air-conditioning, most visitors left glowing reviews, drawn by the chance to witness and help hatching turtles.
Khalil's conservation efforts were initially resented by some locals, including property developers and fishers who used dynamite fishing—a practice she successfully fought against. Her house was also hit by Israeli bombardment during the 2006 war with Hezbollah. Despite continued invasions, Khalil remained, stating in a 2017 interview that she had not lost hope and would continue indefinitely.
Legacy and Condolences
The Lebanese wildlife conservation group Green Southerners mourned the loss of an environmental campaigner who inspired generations. “Her work made her one of Lebanon’s most respected voices for marine conservation and biodiversity protection,” the group said, condemning the attack that claimed her life. Live Love Beirut, an environment-focused social enterprise, said Khalil will be “remembered through an incredible legacy” and described her life as “selfless and impactful.”
