ORGANIZATIONS

Several institutions form an integral part in the management of TCNR, each institution has different roles and levels of responsibility. The involved institutions and their level of involvement are stated below.

The Organizations that are mainly responsible for the direct management of the site, including the preparation and the approval of the management plan are:

Ministry of Environment: Over all supervision of the site

MedWetCoast project: Preparation of the management plan

Appointed Protected Area Committee (APAC): Local management of the site after the approval of the Ministry of Environment

Tyre Municipality: Management of the tourism zone in Section E1 after the approval of the APAC and the MoE

According to the law 708/98, a committee of five volunteers undertakes the management of the site; the volunteers represent the following institution:

– Ministry of Agriculture

– Municipality of Tyre

– “Kaemakam” of the caza of Tyre

– Two local NGOs in the Tyre region; currently Amwaj and The Protection of Environment-Tyre are the represented NGOs

MANAGEMENT TEAM & FACILITIES

Currently the staff managing the site includes:

– Site manager mandated to oversee all the work on site

– Assistant Manager

– Administrative assistant hired by the APAC,

– Three Guard warden hired by the APAC,

– One Agent keeping the nature reserve clean

However, the team should be increased in order to manage the site more effectively. The suggested positions would be:

– Additional guards,

– Awareness Coordinator

– Scientific Coordinator

– Sustainable development Coordinator

– Eco-guide

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is located immediately south of city of Tyre and considered by local universities as carrying a great potential for scientific studies therefore, for conservation and raising awareness for eco-tourism, solid waste management and protecting fisheries from overexploitation.

Tyre Coast Reserve may be considered rare of its kind in Lebanon and subsequently has a great natural heritage value and was created in 1998 by Law No. 708.

Its biodiversity derives from several elements that are grouped in a small terrestrial area of 3.8 km². TCNR also has the right to protect a marine surface area (territorial waters) of about 113 km².

The preserved sandy beach has considerable scenic and recreational value.

Ras El Ain area is rich with fresh water and a Roman heritage site including natural artesian wells and aqueducts. TCNR is a wetland of international significance, designated as a Ramsar site number 980.

TCNR is a mosaic of habitats of coastal dunes and their fixing plants, the wide sandy beach that is of great attraction to endangered marine turtles, the agriculture area and the streams and marshes which are located at few meters from the sea.

The reserve provides the needed cover to the sea crossing birds at the moment of their arrival to the land.

Wetlands are transitional zones between dry and wet regions. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs.

There are many different types of wetlands but biologically there are three key conditions, to have a wetland:

1. Presence of water (hydrology)
2. Special soils (hydric soils)
3. Water tolerant plants (hydrophytic vegetation)

The value of our natural ecosystems is estimated at US$ 33 trillion and the global value of wetland ecosystems at an amazing US$ 14.9 trillion, 45% of the total which is reflected in the many functions of wetlands (Costanza et al.1997, Nature)

Wetland offers various economic benefits to human kind:

• Groundwater recharge and discharge
• Stabilization of local climate conditions and carbon storage
• Improve water quality
• Function as a barrier to shoreline erosion
• Provide aquatic and terrestrial wildlife with food, habitat, breeding grounds, and resting areas
• Valuable stop-over sites for migratory birds
• Water supply (quantity and quality)
• Food and other products for human use from sustainable agriculture practices
• Recreation and tourism opportunities

Part of the local cultural heritage

The presence of diverse habitats in TCNR and multiple users dictates the high potential value of the site.

The site acts as part of the income and revenues through:

– Selling of certified organic farming

– Ecotourism such as Bed & Breakfast

– Job source such as guides, rangers, eco-guides, and small businesses

Moreover, the tourism zone functions as a source for public recreation since the locals frequently visit this site in the summer for sunbathing, and swimming activities. Furthermore, the site has been called the Green lungs of the city of Tyre. More specifically initiatives for Ecotourism development activities such as the MEET Project, Kayak & Pedals, and Snorkeling have been implemented since year 2013 to set a more responsible behavior for visitors.

In addition to its recreational value, the site has a great educational and research potential too, where students and researchers have integrated the reserve as part of their thesis or personal and institutional publications.

Also, the existence of small family agriculture farms provides a live exhibition of the rural ways of life that are becoming extinct on the coast of Lebanon due to the high urbanization and development rates.

Finally, there are over 350 fishermen in the city of Tyre. The high numbers of fishermen leads to excessive fishing that will render the fish community to an end. It is the management team’s responsibility to collaborate with the fishermen and provide awareness campaigns on the alternative methods for fishing. In this framework, in spring 2014, the municipality made the decision to conduct marine patrols to prevent illegal fishing in the protected area and revive the marine life.

Ecosystem and habitats

National context:

• Last remaining sand dunes in Lebanon
• The only protected sand dunes in Lebanon

International context:

• Important nesting site for globally threatened sea turtles (IUCN Red List)
• Beach of high width and important sand dunes diversity (Riddiford, N. pers. comm., 2003)
• Wetland of international significance, designated as a Ramsar site number 980
• Important resting site for water birds and waders
• Important remaining coastal agriculture site, where open field crops are planted.
• TCNR was included in the SPAMIs list (Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance) during CoP17 of Barcelona Convention (Paris, February, 2012).

Important ecosystem:

The TCNR comprises a diversity of ecosystems. Accordingly, three major systems are present in TCNR:

• Sand dunes ecosystem

The sandy beach covers nearly the whole length of the reserve coast. It includes sandstones and mobile sand dunes with scattered vegetation, which is unable to fix them. This system comprises a wide variety of flora and fauna species, considered as bio-indicators of sandy soil and desert environment.

• Freshwater ecosystem

The Raas el Ain springs are natural artesian freshwater springs; the wells sustain important populations of ferns and turtles. The fraction that is not used for domestic purposes flows out to the sea creating a unique freshwater-marine ecosystem. The presence of these freshwater resources creates distinct ecological features.

The high water table on the site creates fresh water ponds on the beach, which have a significant cover of reeds and are resting sites for several bird species.

• Agricultural Land

Agricultural land is within section AG of the reserve, situated near Raas el Ain springs, the land is being utilized by local farmers as a source of livelihood.

Earth Flora

TCNR includes 275 plant species distributed over 50 families. In addition, the reserve is home to seven regionally and nationally threatened species, 4 endemic and 10 rare species, whilst 59 species are restricted to the Eastern Mediterranean area. It is also worthy to indicate that, several bio-indicator species as well as 25 medicinal species were recognized (Tohme, G. in Jaradi, G. et al, 2004).

TCNR encloses flora species belonging to the various habitats: the sandy shore, rocky shore, littoral and freshwater ecosystems.

A wide number of Gramineae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Umbellifereae families dominate the floristic resources.

Some have important economic values, used as fodder (Hyparrhenia hirta, Hordeum bulbosum) as medicinal plants (Arundo donax).

In fact, as many as five plants present in the reserve are believed to be endangered either locally or regionally, namely:

• Ficus sycomorus (Egyptian fig tree) – was once a widespread species on the Lebanese littoral zones
• Orchis papilionacea (Butterfly orchid)
• Orchis collina (Fan-lipped orchid)
• Lemna gibba (Thick duckweed)
• Lemna paucicostata (Few-ribbed duckweed)

An example of the most sensitive plant species that may be affected by grazing goats and sheep is the twospiked beard grass Andropogon distachyus.

Earth Fauna

Mammals

Efforts during 2003-2004 indicated that TCNR contains 13 mammal species distributed over 8 families (Tohme, H. in Jaradi, G. et al, 2004). Two of these species are flying mammals that are generally considered threatened at both the global and regional level.

The Meles meles canescens as well as the Acomys dimidiatu were recorded in TCNR and are considered to be globally threatened and nationally susceptible in Lebanon, respectively.

In addition, two pest species were identified in TCNR, the domestic rat (Rattus rattus) and mouse (Mus musculus), and are usually indicators of organic waste accumulation.

Birds

The bird study that was carried out at Tyre by the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (LNCSR) in 1999 on behalf of the Protected Areas Project produced a list of 204 species.

Four globally threatened species present in TCNR that are Phalacrocorax pygmeus, Pelecanus crispus, Falco naummani and Crex crex.

Twelve regionally threatened species: Botaurus stellaris, Ciconia ciconia, Aythya nyroca, Elanus coeruleus, Pernis apivorus, Neophron percnopterus, Gyps fulvus, Accipiter brevipes, Aquila pomarina, Falco cherrug, Falco biarmicus and Gallinago media,

and eight wholly or partially restricted species to the Middle East: Larus hemprichii, Glareola nordmanni, Pycnonotus xanthopygos, Irania gutturalis, Hippolais languida, Sylvia mystacea and Serinus syriacus (Jaradi, G. et al, 2004).

Amphibians and Reptiles

The LNCSR study has compiled a list of amphibians and reptiles found in TCNR. The list shows three different amphibian species and fifteen varied reptile species, from which three are known to be globally threatened. In fact, the Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta and the Green Turtle Chelonia mydas constitute one of the most important examples of the Tyre coast richness in biodiversity. These animals are classified as a priority rank for conservation. As for the Dermochelys coriacea, it has occasionally been recorded in the sea.

Minor herpetological work was conducted at TCNR prior to 1999. Moreover, it was noticed that in Tyre itself there has been a strong decrease in the numbers of the caspian terrapin Mauremys caspica, which was once a very common species. Two more species of amphibians, the green toad Bufo viridis and the tree frog Hyla savignyi, have also shown severe decline in the agricultural area of the reserve. In addition, two desert species, shreiber’s lizard Acanthodactylus schreiberi and ocellated skink Chalcides ocellatus were recorded in very located sites on the beach of Tyre inhabiting the sand of warm areas.

Invertebrates

The group of freshwater and sub-freshwater invertebrates deserves special attention, especially at Raas Al Ain ponds that includes the wells that curve into the rocks and retain a natural character. Marshy areas are also of interest, they are created by some levees along the way which drains the running water from the wells to the sea. In fact, nothing was known about the aquatic fauna of this area (Dia, A. in Jaradi, G. et al, 2004).

The micro fauna is impoverished and include 6 species distributed over 6 genera. Four of them are gastropods; among them are the Physella acuta, which is pollution-resistant and is found in the lower part of the stream with 5 individuals and the Succinea elegans, which is found in the small marsh situated near the stream. The other two gastropods are the Melanopsis praemorsa buccinoida and Theodoxus jordani and were found at the outlet of the source. A community of Hirudinea dina lineata concolor was found to proliferate in this site. One insect Platycnemis dealbata of the group Odonata was captured at an adult stage whereas the larvae of Zygopterous odonata were collected from aquatic vegetation.

Fish

Two marine surveys were conducted at TCNR during October 2011 (MedPan) and September 2013 (IUCN – RAC/SPA – MOE) in order to produce lists that serves as indicators of biological richness and disseminate information on coastal and near-shallow water marine biodiversity for conservation purposes with focusing on priorities for reserve conservation area and management. The area surveyed was 17 km² situated in front of TCNR plus five major and two small islands.

The islands reef habitat shows the greatest diversity and relative species abundance. The result of the survey showed that the coastal area of TCNR is under significant pressure from overfishing.

However, the area presents a high probability to fish recover, since the juveniles of the vulnerable species are frequent. Also, the islands ground seems a spawning area of Epinephelus ssp.

In this sense, the low enforcement and fishing regulation can lead to higher density, biomass and size of fish target species inside a marine surface area (territorial waters) of about 113 km².

TCNR Visitor Center is open all year round from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:30.

Brochures and trail maps are distributed here.

Address: TCNR Visitor Center, Tyre Coast Nature Reserve – Avenue President Nabih Beri, behind Tyre Rest House Hotel – Tyre – Lebanon

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is open all year round.

Visitors are only allowed in the conservation zone from 8:00 till 17:00. To visit this zone visitors must call beforehand: +961-(0)7-351341.

Ras al Aain agricultural area is open all year roun.

While the touristic recreation zone is open until 23:00 for visitors during summer.

ENTRANCE FEE

There is no entrance fee, but donations for the management of the reserve are welcome.

SAFETY REGULATIONS & PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

Visitors are encouraged to abide by the ethos: Take only memories, leave only footprints. Stay on officially designated trails. Cutting across and between trails can cause severe environmental damage and can be dangerous.

The following are NOT allowed inside the reserve:

Smoking

Campfires, or starting any type of fire

Fishing & Hunting

Tree or shrub cutting

Collection of any flora or fauna

Camping (except for the touristic zone)

Littering

Pets

FACILITIES

TOILETS No public toilets are available during the winter. In the summer, several kiosks located in the public beaches close to the reserve sell food and drinks.

These kiosks have toilets that can be used by visitors.

REST AREA

There are no officially designated rest areas, but during the summer visitors can rest and take refreshment at the kiosks.

WHAT TO BRING

In the summer, visitors should come equipped with bathing suits, sunscreen, clothing and hats for UV protection against the sun, and a camera and binoculars.

BEST SEASON TO VISIT

The reserve can be enjoyed all year long, but different seasons are better for particular activities. Prime time for bird watching is during the spring and autumn, when Lebanon is in the flight path of many migratory birds. Late spring and summer are when the sea turtles come to shore to nest. Cycling and night walks can be enjoyed throughout the year, while swimming, snorkeling and diving are favorite activities during the summer.

Conservation measures for sea turtles:

– Protection of nests on the beach during the nesting season

– Tracking by satellites to discover migration routes

– Rescuing injured turtles

– Revealing causes of death

Did you see a stranded or injured sea turtle?

Please call the Sea Turtles Rescue Center in TCNR

00961 3 865 231

00961 3 199 463

Email: tcnr98@hotmail.com

To Notice and Inform is to Protect

Tyre underwater archeological and natural snorkeling trail

Marine activities in Tyre Coast Nature Reserve

Tyre’s underwater natural and heritage snorkeling trails

Price: 15,000 – 25,000

Available at the Jamal Area including gears and guide

Description:

Tyre snorkeling trail is conceived both as a new innovative eco-tourism product and as educational tools to raise awareness to the value and vulnerability of natural and cultural heritage. It offers to swimmers of all levels secured and accessible information about submerged historical secrets and marine biodiversity assets of Tyre waters while promoting eco-responsible attitudes.

As early as May, visitors may use the activity with provided equipment, orientation, and an informative snorkeling tour that last approximately 40 minutes in the water, passes by an ancient wave breaker, stone quarry and fallen columns with good possibility of watching a sea turtle along the way.

Trail visited upon reservation through:

Tel: 00961 3 865231 – 00961 7 351341

Email: tcnr98@hotmail.com

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve (TCNR) in partnership with Tyr Municipality and ARESMAR, have decided to set up with the support of MedPan funds and experience, the first underwater snorkeling trail in Lebanon, within the city of Tyre, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, to protect and enhance the value of underwater remains and sea turtles through ecotourism activity and awareness targeting the local community including youth, restaurants and clients.

” An underwater trail results from a combination of three elements which, in synergy, give the concept a specific identity : exploration in water, using light equipment, a site, usually at sea, and an educational focus designed to bring about behavioral change.

An underwater trail is a concrete example of action taken for the sustainable development of a territory. Social, economic and environmental aspects can be taken into account, integrating land-sea continuity, which is important to understand and address issues on our coastlines.” (MedPan – Underwater Trail Handbook)

Following on two marine surveys 29 different fish species have been recognized and the majority of species are juvenile but threatened by overfishing. Regulations must be enforced to regenerate this ecosystem. In spring 2014, the municipality made the decision to conduct marine patrols to prevent illegal fishing and revive the marine life.

Sea turtles:

The sea turtle takes between 17 to 30 years to become an adult and lives about 100 years.

In Lebanon there are two species of sea turtles that lay their eggs on our sandy beaches:  Green and loggerhead sea turtles. They face many threats including tourism development, beach degradation, light pollution, fishing and irresponsible behavior of humans.

The loggerhead measures and weighs about 90cm and 135Kg. They have more than one pair of prefrontal scales and 5 lateral scales.

The green measures between 78 – 112 cm and weighs between 68 – 190 kg and possess a pair of prefrontal scales and 4 lateral scales.

The loggerhead is carnivorous and feeds on crustaceans, crabs, sea urchins, sea sponges and jellyfish, fish. Since 1990, being considered vulnerable, it has been listed on the IUCN Red List for Threatened Animals.

N.B.:

Swim at a comfortable distance from the turtle and away from the beak

Feeding the turtle could change its natural behavior

Stressing the turtle can push it away

Gathering around the turtle in an aggressive way may scare away the turtle or push her to make an attack

Murex

For the murex, everything starts from a legend …

« The legend tells that the discovery of the purple was attributed to the god Melqart Heracles. While he was walking on the beach with the nymph Tyros, his dog found a Murex and munched on it. Its jaws tinged purple color. The nymph admired the color and asked the God to offer her a cloth with such a beautiful color. In order to please his sweetheart, Melqart, ordered to collect the seashells and to prepare a tincture of this crimson color, and make a dyed tunic witch delight the heart of the nymph.

This is how the people of Tyr strated to make purple and market it. The city of Tyre buys the silk and then dyes it with purple before exporting it. It is used by the rich who could pay such wealth. »

Currency of Tyre – Murex

Insert representing the scene of the legend with the 3 characters on the beach.

Underwater Trail map

The Tyre underwater trail is visited upon reservation through:

Email: tcnr98@hotmail.com

Tel: 03/ 865231 – 07/ 351341

Two species of sea turtles nesting in the Mediterranean have been recorded in Lebanon, namely, Green and Loggerhead sea turtles.

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is an important nesting site for these species that come to lay eggs from May to July while hatching occurs in early August to October from each season.

1. Sea turtles species:
2. Chelonia mydas, green turtle:   

• Carapace length: 105 cm
• weight: up to 180 kg

1. Caretta carettaloggerhead turtle:

• Carapace length: 90 cm
• Weight: up to  105  kg

1. Dermochelys coriaceaLeatherback turtle:

• Carapace length: 256 cm
• Weight: up to 916 kg.

A resting/sleeping turtle can remain underwater for over 4-7 hours

2. Nesting:

The nesting process consists of 8 stages:

1. Mating
2. Emerging from sea, making tracks
3. Cleaning nesting site
4. Digging using her rear flippers
5. Laying eggs
6. Covering using her rear flippers
7. Camouflaging by throwing dry sand behind her
8. Returning to sea, leaving tracks

3. Threats:  التهديدات
4. Beach degradation
5. Sand compaction
6. Light pollution
7. Divers Pollution
8. Bycatch
9. Boat strike
10. Tourism development
11. Natural predation

4. Diet: النظام الغذائي
5. Caretta caretta:

Loggerheads like mollusk, fish, jellyfish, shrimp, and clam.

1. Chelonia mydas:

Green sea turtles are primary vegetarian.

1. Dermochelys coriacea:

Leatherbacks like soft-bodied animals like jellyfish