Civil Campaign to Protect the Dalieh of Raouche

Dalieh is a rich cultural, ecological, and archaeological open space in Ras Beirut, known as an “open access shared space,” for various segments of city dwellers. Youth, elders, and families had found in this space a natural destination for leisure. Dalieh is recognized for its ecological wealth and its diverse topographical and geological features. This richness was put at risk by the construction of a private seafront resort on its land.
NAHNOO joined the Civil Campaign to Protect the Dalieh of Raouche that emerged in March 2013 to advocate for the preservation of Dalieh as an inclusive and publicly accessible shared space for all and its classification as a natural reserve. The campaign was initially successful in removing the fence blocking its entrance. Following a series of grassroots initiatives, public discussions, and debates the campaign managed to stop the construction project. However, the government has yet to classify Dalieh as a maritime reserve to protect its marine life and its ecological and archaeological value.

Campaign Objectives

  • Ensuring public access to the Dalieh of Raouche
  • Raising awareness on the importance and richness of Dalieh to the public
  • Having Dalieh classified as a maritime reserve
We advocate for the promotion of public spaces, accessible to all, which provide a place for those sharing Lebanon’s cities to come together regardless of their personal and social backgrounds. We believe that providing equal access to neutral public spaces fosters unity and encourages positive dialogue between different communities within Lebanese society.

Campaign Highlights

2012
Massive concrete blocks were offloaded on the Dalieh site by the Ministry of Public Works to enlarge the fishing port

March 2014
Most of the fishermen homes were demolished after negotiations over compensation were settled

March 2014
The “Civil Campaign to Protect the Dalieh of Raouche ” began to form.

April 2014
Real estate companies began installing a fence along the corniche promenade

June 2014
NAHNOO participated in protest, “An Encounter to Reclaim Public Space”, as well as the campaign organized a press conference, during which the issue was publicly discussed with representatives of local authorities and activists. In parallel, objection letters were sent to the municipality, the governor, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation.

June 2014
NAHNOO participated in the event organized in front of Raouche on the International Day of the Ocean, and in the presence of Beirut’s head of the municipality and major media outlets

June 2014
Artistic Intervention: the Doulose Army

Nov 2014
Launching of the petition “Dalieh all what remains of Beirut’s shore”