In a shocking incident, the construction site above the Monk Seal Cave in Amchit turned into a scene of aggression against peaceful environmental protesters who were trying to defend one of the most important natural habitats of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. 

This has come despite an official request by the Ministry of Environment to stop all works on plot number 345.

After the Mayor of Amchit withdrew from the site, excavation works were resumed in clear violation of the ministry’s recommendations. Lawyer Gaby Germanos, representing project contractor Engineer Nassif Gharios, violently snatched the phone of the environmental activist and IndyACT Board Member Mira Abou El Hosn, who was filming the ongoing events. This act of provocation outraged those present, before security forces intervened to contain the situation and retrieve the phone from him.

In addition, IndyACT Ocean Defender, Nidaa Hamze, was pushed off the excavator as she tried to peacefully stop the ongoing works. This reckless act shows blatant disregard for the law, safety standards, and environmental protection.

On October 20, 2025, Minister of Environment, Dr. Tamara Zein, issued an official letter to Judge Jamal Hajjjar, President of the Criminal Court of Cassation, requesting the suspension of all works and the preparation of a full Environmental Impact Assessment in accordance with Decree 8633/2012, as the area is considered environmentally sensitive. The decision was also circulated to the Ministries of Public Works, Culture, the Governorate of Mount Lebanon, and the Municipality of Amchit for appropriate action.

But, in defiance of the Minister’s request, excavation works continued. 

Upon leaving the site, lawyer Germanos hurled insults and issued verbal threats to the peaceful protestors, vowing to file complaints against them at the local police station. Later, the activists were summoned for questioning.

IndyACT stands firmly with environmental organizations and activists, calling on Judge Hajjjar and all relevant authorities to immediately enforce the Ministry of Environment’s decision and stop all works above the Monk Seal Cave in Amchit, to protect what remains of this unique marine habitat and to uphold the dignity of all those who defend nature in Lebanon.