Biodiversity on the Front : Mānthöûr Bayrūt, in the Era of Extinction

Date

Friday, November 7, 2025

Location

Corniche el Raoucheh, facing Ahmad Aouni Hallab (with one activity at Dalieh), Beirut

“Manthour Bayrut… in the Era of Extinction” marks the closing event of a national tour exploring biodiversity challenges across Lebanon. The event highlights Beirut’s coastal nature, the issue of public maritime property, and the cultural and ecological significance of native plants in our cities and along the coast.

Through guided walks, seed exchanges, film screenings, and discussions, participants will explore the natural and cultural heritage of Beirut and reflect on the urgent need to preserve its fragile coastal ecosystems.

This event is organized in collaboration with the Civil Campaign to Protect the Dalieh of Raoucheh, Buzuruna Juzuruna, Native Nurseries, the AUB Neighborhood Initiative, Beirut Coastal Cleanup, and Zico House.

Program and Speakers

3:15 | Botanical Promenade with Nisrine Machaka – Houri
Mānthöûr Path: an eye-opening botanical promenade at Daliet el Raoucheh.
Participants will learn to identify the endangered flowering plant Matthiola Crassifolia and discover the unique geological and ecological features of this coastal habitat, while observing the pressures caused by urbanization, pollution, and human activity.

4:15 | Let’s Talk Native with Khaled Slim from Native Nurseries
An interactive session on the importance of preserving native plant species, with a focus on Matthiola Crassifolia in and around Raouche.

5:00 | Seed Exchange with Buzuruna Juzuruna
For Beiruti balconies — exchange seeds and grow edible plants suited for urban planters.

5:30 – 7:00 | Screening of the Short Film “Mānthöûr Bayrūt” directed by Farah F. Naboulsi
Followed by awareness campaign videos about Beirut’s coastline and a photo montage of Dalieh’s flora.
This video program will loop twice.

7:00 | Round Table Discussion
Protecting our collective memory, cultural and natural heritage, and threatened biodiversity… by safeguarding our Beiruti coast.
Speakers:
• Mona El Hallak: Architect and heritage preservation activist. Currently directs the AUB Neighborhood Initiative.
• Sarah Lily Yassine: Landscape Architect and Urbanist, Founder of “Sea to Mountain” Landscape Practice.
• Nahida Khalil: Architect and Landscape Architect, Lecturer, Political, Socio-Cultural & Environmental Activist.