Biodiversity on the Front : Lebanon Invaded

Date

18 July 2025

Location

Souk EL Tayeb, Mar Mikhayel, Beirut

From invasive plants to the destruction of Southern biodiversity

The REEF Association is launching “Biodiversity on the Front,” a series of engaging activities aimed at tackling critical biodiversity issues directly with affected communities. This impact tour will feature eight short films, mentored and produced by REEF through its “Biodiversity and Cinema” program.

Taking place on July 18, 2025 in partnership with Souk El Tayeb, the first session “Lebanon Invaded,” tackles the dangerous impact of an invasive plant specie the Ailanthus tree on Lebanese urban and rural biodiversity. The evening will also draw attention to the environmental challenges in Southern Lebanon due to Israeli attacks on lands.

The event will feature a guided biodiversity tour around the trailway station, the short film “Tree of Hell” by filmmaker Raed Zeno dealing with the Ailanthus and drawing a parallel with the phosphorus attacks on Southern lands. A panel discussion with renowned experts, activists, and policymakers, along with a food station featuring Southern specialties.

Program Schedule & Reservation Information

The event will take place on July 18, 2025, starting 6:00 PM, at Souk El Tayeb in Mar Mikhael.

Entrance is free, but prior reservation is required. Book you seat here.

6:15 PM – Welcome at Souk El Tayeb and starting point for the guided tour

6:30 PM – Guided Tour of the Train Station
An exploration of biodiversity in the abandoned train station and insights into the station’s lost history with Train Train association.

7:15 PM – Tasting of Southern Specialties
Proceeds go to support Southern farmers and producers.

8:00 PM – Film Screening: Tree of Hell
A short documentary by Raed Zeno exposing the spread of the invasive Ailanthus tree and its consequences on Lebanon’s ecosystems.

8:30 PM – Panel Discussion
Two-part panel exploring the consequences of invasive plants, native biodiversity, urban ecology, and the Southern Lebanese context.

An eye-opening discussion

An eye-opening discussion on the rise of invasive plant species and their devastating impact on the biodiversity of Southern Lebanon. Discover how these species alter ecosystems, threaten native flora and fauna, and what can be done to protect our natural heritage.

Part 1: Biodiversity, Urban Ecology & the Ailanthus Threat

Exploring how invasive plants like the Ailanthus tree impact urban ecosystems and native biodiversity.

Speakers:

Adib Dada – Founder, theOtherDada regenerative consultancy; expert in urban rewilding and biomimicry.
Khaled Sleem – Agroecology specialist and founder of Native Nurseries, focused on sustainable agriculture and native reforestation.
Dr. Mohamad Abdalla – Ecologist and researcher on invasive species in Lebanon.
Raed Zeno – Filmmaker, Tree of Hell.
Municipality Representative – Local policy perspective on biodiversity and urban environmental planning.

Part 2: The South’s Struggles – Biodiversity Under Attack

The second segment of the discussion will focus on Southern Lebanon’s biodiversity loss and agricultural challenges due to repeated Israeli aggressions.

Speakers:

Hadi Awada – Farmer from Kfarkila, featured in Tree of Hell, shares firsthand experiences and sustainable soil solutions in the face of occupation and conflict.
Ramy Zurayk – professor at the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the American University of Beirut, Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management Department.

About the Film: Tree of Hell

Directed by Raed Zeno, Tree of Hell reveals the ignored story of the Ailanthus tree—an invasive species quietly overtaking Lebanon’s urban and rural landscapes. The film draws a direct line with another type of invasion represented by Israeli on Southern lands.Learn more here about Raed’s film and view the trailer.