Tyre Coast

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is not only a Nature reserve but also a Ramsar site.

Located in Southern Lebanon, and expanding over 380 ha on land and 11,300 ha in the sea, TCNR is the only reserve in Lebanon that consists of a marine and a terrestrial section.

In addition to this peculiarity, TCNR is characterized by its multiple ecosystems, namely:

• Sandy ecosystem (the only site including sand dunes along the Lebanese coastline, with a beach width between 150 and 200 m)
• Wetland ecosystem, which entitled TCNR the designation as a Ramsar site
• Agricultural ecosystem due to the fertile lands of Ras el Ain and its natural ponds
• Marine ecosystem as it extends 113 km² in the sea and includes a rich sea biodiversity

The multitude ecosystems enriched the TCNR with biodiversity and diverse nature services. Besides its importance for visitors’ entertainment, TCNR harbors many species of plants, animals and insects.

It is a nesting site for the endangered Loggerhead and Green sea turtles, shelter to the Arabian spiny mouse, habitat to the endemic Pancratium maritimum (flora endemic to the South Mediterranean countries), and a resting site for migrating birds.

TCNR is divided into four main zones:

1. Touristic zone (beach for recreational activities).
2. Scientific zone, a high conservation zone that includes the sand dunes that attract sea turtles for nesting.
3. Agricultural zone, a large area for agriculture including the Phoenician springs of Ras el Ain, a historic water mill and a fresh water estuary. This section provides a freshwater habitat, and the off-flow creates small areas rich in frogs and other amphibians. The inflow of fresh water into the sea creates fresh/marine water interface and creates a very rich biodiversity.
4. Marine zone that neighbors the submerged archaeological ruins of old Tyre and the feeding zone of sea turtles where they can be found all year round.

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is cut into two segments by the Rashidiyeh Refugee camp. The northern part is open to the public for swimming and relaxation.

History and culture

Ras el Ain has been known since the Phoenician days for being the main source of irrigation and drinking water for Tyre. Its artesian wells gush up into stone reservoirs that were built by the Phoenicians 5,000 years ago, and have been maintained through the ages. One of the reservoirs fed the arched aqueducts of the Roman period that once stretched all the way to Tyre. A short stretch of the original aqueduct near the reservoirs continues to serve as part of Tyre’s present day waterworks.

Contacts:

Nature Reserve Office

Tel/Fax: 961 7 351341

tcnr98@hotmail.com

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